NPR-B agonists

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are novel compounds having NPR-B agonistic activity. Preferred compounds are linear peptides containing 8-13 conventional or non-conventional L- or D-amino acid residues connected to one another via peptide bonds.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This present application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/645,680, filed Jul. 10, 2017, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/824,353, filed Aug. 12, 2015, and which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,745,344, issued on Aug. 29, 2017, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/011,855, filed Aug. 28, 2013, and which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,169,293, issued on Oct. 27, 2015, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/888,556 filed Sep. 23, 2010, and which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,546,523, issued on Oct. 1, 2013, which claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/245,960 filed Sep. 25, 2009, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted electronically in ASCII format and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created on Jul. 5, 2017, is named SHR-6334DIVUS02_Sequence_Listing_ST25 and is 392,326 bytes in size.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to novel compounds which are useful in the treatment and prevention of disorders mediated by natriuretic peptides or proteins. More particularly, the present invention relates to novel peptides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more novel peptides described herein, and their use in methods of treating or preventing ocular disorders, such as glaucoma, ocular hypertension, and optic neuropathies, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, lung disease, and other disorders mediated by natriuretic peptides or proteins.

2. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

The natriuretic peptides (NP's) are a family of cyclic peptide hormones that have first been described by their involvement in the regulation of natriuresis, diuresis and blood pressure control. To date, four natriuretic peptides have been discovered in man, i.e. atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP; SEQ ID NO: 1), B-type or brain natriuretic peptide (BNP; SEQ ID NO:2), C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP; SEQ ID NO:3) and urodilatin (SEQ ID NO:4) (see FIG. 1; and Cho et al., 1999, Heart Dis. 1:305-328). All NP's are synthesized as prepro-hormones which are activated by proteolytic cleavage before their release into the circulation. The NP's bind to natriuretic peptide receptors (NPR), a group of 3 different membrane bound receptors with guanylyl cyclase activity (Pandey 2005, Peptides 26:901-932).

ANP was first discovered as a blood pressure decreasing factor in rat atrial homogenates in 1981 (de Bold 1981, Life Sci 28:89-94). Human pre-pro-ANP (SEQ ID NO: 5) contains 151 amino acids and is stored after N-terminal cleavage as 126 amino acid pro-ANP (SEQ ID NO:6), predominantly in atrial granules. Cardiac stretch, due to systemic volume overload induces the rapid release of ANP from these stores. Upon secretion into the circulation, the C-terminal part of pro-ANP is cleaved by the atrial peptidase corin to the biologically active 28 amino acid form of ANP (SEQ ID NO:1) (Yan 2000, Proc Natl Acad Sci 97:8525-8529). The remaining N-terminal part can be further cleaved into 3 different hormones. i.e. Long Acting Natriuretic Peptide (LANP, amino acids 1-30; SEQ ID NO:7), Vessel Dilator (VSDL, amino acids 31-67; SEQ ID NO:8) and Kaliuretic Peptide (KP, amino acids 79-98; SEQ ID NO:9) (Vesely 2004, Eur J Clin Invest 34:674-682).

After BNP was discovered in porcine brain as a factor that showed smooth muscle relaxing activity (Sudoh T, 1988, Nature 332:78), a much greater tissue expression was found in preparations of cardiac ventricles (Mukoyama 1991, J Clin Invest 87:1402-1412), which led to the conclusion that BNP is, similarly to ANP, a cardiac peptide hormone. Although BNP can be found in storage granules in the atria, the expression in ventricles is transcriptionally regulated (Tamura 2000, Proc Natl Acad Sci 93:4239-4244). Synthesis of pre-pro-BNP is induced through cardiac wall stretch and leads to a 134 amino acid long peptide (SEQ ID NO: 10) which is further cleaved by an unknown protease to yield the 108 amino acid long pro-BNP (SEQ ID NO:11). Additional cleavage liberates the active 32 amino acid C-terminal fragment of BNP (SEQ ID NO:2) and the inactive 76 amino acid N-terminal fragment also referred to as NT-pro-BNP (SEQ ID NO:12). To date, no known splice variants of human BNP exists.

CNP was first isolated from porcine brain almost 10 years after the discovery of ANP (Sudoh 1990, Biochem Biophys Res Comm 168:863-870). It is primarily expressed in the central nervous system and endothelial cells. Unlike other NP's, CNP is nearly not present in cardiac tissue, which suggest a more paracrine function on vascular tone and muscle cell growth. The 126 amino acid precursor molecule pro-CNP (SEQ ID NO: 13) is processed by the intracellular endoprotease furin into the mature 53 amino acid peptide CNP-53 (SEQ ID NO:14), which is the most abundant form in the brain (Totsune 1994, Peptides 15:37-40), endothelial cells (Stingo, 1992, Am J Phys 263:H1318-H1321) and the heart (Minamino 1991, Biochem Biophys Res Comm 179:535-542). In both, cerebral spinal fluid (Togashi 1992, Clin Chem 38:2136-2139) and human plasma (Stingo 1992, Am J Phys 263:H1318-H1321) the most common form is CNP-22 (SEQ ID NO:3), which is generated from CNP-53 by an unknown extracellular protease. Unlike the other NP's CNP-22 lacks the C-terminal extension of the 17 amino acid ring (see FIG. 1).

ANP (SEQ ID NO:1), BNP (SEQ ID NO:2) and CNP (SEQ ID NO:3) show a highly conserved amino acid sequence among different vertebrate species (see FIG. 1; and Cho 1999, Heart Dis. 1:305-328). The NP's are inactivated by two distinct mechanisms, i.e. enzymatic cleavage through neutral endopeptidases and binding to the NP clearance receptor (NPR-C; SEQ ID NO:15), which is followed by internalization and intracellular degradation of the NP (Stoupakis 2003, Heart Dis. 5:215-223).

The discovery of the natriuretic peptides ANP, BNP and CNP was followed by the description and cloning of their specific receptors, natriuretic peptide receptor-A, -B and -C (NPR-A, -B, -C) (Fuller 1988, J Biol Chem. 263:9395-9401; Chang 1989 Nature 341:68-72; Chinkers 1989, Nature 338:78-83). NPR-A (SEQ ID NO:16) preferentially binds ANP and BNP, while NPR-B (SEQ ID NO:17) is most specific for CNP and NPR-C(SEQ ID NO:15) binds all natriuretic peptides (Koller 1991, Science 252:120-123).

The primary structure of NPR-A and NPR-B contain an extracellular ligand binding domain, transmembrane domain, intracellular kinase homology domain containing phosphorylation sites and a C-terminal guanylate cyclase domain (reviewed in Misono 2005, Peptides 26:957-68). The latter classifies NPR-A and NPR-B as particulate guanylate cyclases, also known as GC-A and GC-B (E.C.4.6.1.2). In contrast, NPR-C is lacking intracellular homology domains, but evidence is increasing for NPR-C's role not only as a scavenger receptor for natriuretic peptides, but for its' functional coupling to inhibitory G-proteins and phosphoinositide turnover (Maack 1987, Science 238:675-678; Murthy and Makhlouf 1999, J Biol Chem 274:17587-17592; Anand-Srivastava 2005, Peptides 26:1044-1059). Reflecting the grade of sequence homology in natriuretic peptides, natriuretic peptide receptors show a high degree of homology in their extracellular ligand binding domains, with the calculated similarities being 41% between NPR-A and NPR-B and 29% between NPR-A and NPR-C(van den Akker 2001, J Mol Biol. 311:923-937).

Ligand binding to NPRs requires a dimer of glycosylated receptor subunits (Fenrick et al. 1994, Mol Cell Biochem. 137:173-182; Kuhn 2003, Cire Res. 93:700-709) and is followed by a conformational change leading to activation of the guanylate cyclase domains. Subsequently, activity of particulate guanylate cyclases is regulated through phosphorylation (reviewed in Kuhn 2003, Cire Res. 93:700-709). Phosphorylation of NPRs is maximal in the basal state, while ligand binding is followed by dephosphorylation and subsequent desensitization of the receptor.

Natriuretic receptors are expressed in many tissues throughout the organism. NPR-A, NPR-B and NPR-C are present in the cardiovascular system and the kidney, with NPR-C being the most abundant receptor subtype accounting for 80% of NPR-expression in some tissues. NPR-B is present in a particularly high level in rat pineal gland, testis and ovaries. NPR-A and NPR-B ligands both induce endothelium-independent vasorelaxation, where ANP and BNP mainly act on arterial vasculature. In contrast, CNP mainly targets the venous system, with the exception of coronary arteries, that relax in response to CNP stimulation (Marton et al. 2005, Vascul Pharmacol 43:207-212). Importantly, induction of hypotension via NPR-B activation requires 10-fold higher concentrations of ligand compared to blood pressure reduction in response to NPR-A activation (Wei et al. 1993, Am J Physiol. 264:H71-H73; Woods and Jones 1999, Am J Physiol. 276:R1443-R1452). Relaxation of smooth muscle by activation of NPR-B has been shown in a variety of tissues, including blood vessels, seminiferous tubules and uterus. Also contraction of the ocular trabecular meshwork tissue is reduced by activation of natriuretic peptide receptors, confirming functional similarities of trabecular meshwork and smooth muscle cells (Stumpff and Wiederholt 2000, Ophthalmologica 214:33-53).

Another main target organ of natriuretic peptides is the kidney. Ligands of NPR-A induce natriuresis and diuresis by a dual mechanism (reviewed in Beltowski and Wojcicka 2002, Med Sci Monit. 8:RA39-RA52): (1) increased excretion of sodium by a reduced re-uptake of sodium ions in the distal tubulus, subsequently leading also to higher retention of water in the final urine; and (2) dilation of the affluent and concomitant contraction of the effluent glomerular capillary, increasing glomerular filtration rate, at the cost of reduction of renal perfusion (Endlich and Steinhausen 1997, Kidney Int. 52:202-207). In contrast to NPR-A-specific ligands, NPR-B-specific ligands do not induce significant natri- and diuresis, and in addition, show a peculiarity regarding glomerular flow regulation: CNP was shown to dilate both affluent and effluent capillaries in the glomerulus, thus increasing renal blood flow, but not glomerular filtration (Endlich and Steinhausen 1997, Kidney Int. 52:202-207).

In addition to effects of NP-receptor (NPR) activation on blood pressure and kidney function, powerful effects of natriuretic peptides on proliferative processes in a variety of cell types have been documented in the literature. Antiproliferative properties of NPR activation are documented for vascular smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts of different origins, mesangial cells, cancer cells and chondrocytes (reviewed in Schulz 2005, Peptides 26:1024-1034). At least for VSMC, evidence for the involvement of the transcription factor GAX in the regulation of proliferation has given an indication as to which intracellular mechanisms might be involved in growth regulation through NPR (Yamashita et al. 1997, Hypertension 29:381-387). Though tissue growth is mainly regulated by proliferative activity, some organs feature variations in cell size to influence tissue mass. This might be a physiological process, as during endochondral ossification, when chondrocytes mature by undergoing hypertrophy, or a pathological event, as in cardiac hypertrophy, which often precedes chronic heart failure. Both of the above-mentioned events of hypertrophy are regulated by NPR-B. NPR-B deficiency causes dwarfism due to abnormal endochondral ossification, characterized by size reduction of the hypertrophic zone of the epiphyseal growth plate (Bartels et al. 2004, Am J Hum Genet. 75:27-34; Tamura et al. 2004, Proc Natl Acad Sci. 101:17300-17305).

Quite different, a partial knock out of NPR-B in rats promoted cardiac hypertrophy, i.e. hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes (Langenickel et al. 2006, Proc Natl Acad Sci. 103:4735-4740).

Natriuretic peptides, having activity at the natriuretic receptors, were later discovered in various tissues, as well. For example, ANP was discovered in the early 1980s as an endogenous diuretic and vasorelaxant peptide, whose principle circulating form consists of 28 amino acids (SEQ ID NO: 1). Subsequently, other natriuretic peptides, such as BNP (SEQ ID NO:2) and CNP (SEQ ID NO:3), were discovered. The presence of natriuretic peptides and their receptors in ocular tissues, especially those involved in the regulation of IOP, have been demonstrated. For example, in rat and rabbit eyes, ANP, BNP, and CNP, as well as NPR-A, NPR-B, and NPR-C mRNA were found in the ciliary processes, retina, and choroid (Mittag et al. 1987, Curr Eye Res. 6:1189-1196; Nathanson 1987, Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 28:1357-1364; Fernandez-Durango et al. 1995, Exp Eye Res. 61:723-729). Similar results were found in bovine ciliary processes and cultured bovine ciliary epithelial cells. (Millar et al. 1997, J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 13:1-11; Shahidullah and Wilson 1999, Br J Pharmacol. 127:1438-1446). The presence of the peptides and their receptors in the ciliary epithelium suggests that they may play a role in the production of aqueous humor.

In addition to the ciliary processes, natriuretic peptide receptors were also found in tissues associated with the outflow of aqueous humor. ANP binding sites were localized in the longitudinal ciliary muscle of the guinea pig. (Mantyh et al. 1986, Hypertension. 8:712-721). In cultured human TM and ciliary muscle cells, CNP is the most potent and efficacious in stimulating the production of cyclic GMP, indicating the presence of functional NPR-B. Activation of this receptor reduces carbachol-induced calcium influx. (Pang et al. 1996, Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 37:1724-1731). This result predicts that activation of NPR-B should cause relaxation of these tissues. Indeed, CNP significantly decreases the carbachol-induced contraction of monkey and human ciliary muscles. (Ding and Abdel-Latif, 1997, Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 38:2629-2638). Change in contractility in TM and ciliary muscle may affect the outflow facility of aqueous humor.

Cyclic GMP and compounds that increase cyclic GMP in ocular tissues, such as nitric oxide donors, have been shown to lower IOP. (Nathanson 1988, Eur J Pharmacol. 147:155-156; Becker 1990, Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 31:1647-1649; Nathanson 1992, J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 260:956-965; Stein and Clack 1994, Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 35:2765-2768). Since natriuretic peptides potently increase cyclic GMP production, they were predicted to lower IOP, too. In the past 20 years, the natriuretic peptides have been shown to be highly effective as IOP-lowering agents. For example, various researchers have independently shown that intravitreal injection of ANP in rabbits consistently and significantly lowers IOP. This effect lasts for many hours. (Sugrue and Viader, 1986, Eur J Pharmacol. 130:349-350; Mittag et al. 1987, Curr Eye Res. 6:1189-1196; Nathanson 1987 Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 28:1357-1364; Korenfeld and Becker 1989, Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 30:2385-2392; Takashima et al. 1996, Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 37:2671-2677). The IOP effect of ANP correlates with an increase in cyclic GMP production in the iris-ciliary body. (Korenfeld and Becker 1989, Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 30:2385-2392). Intravitreal injection of BNP (Takashima et al. 1996, Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 37:2671-2677) or CNP (Takashima et al. 1998, Exp Eye Res. 66:89-96) is also highly efficacious in lowering IOP. In addition to intravitreal injection, subconjunctival (Yang et al. 1997, Chin J Ophthalmol. 33:149-151) or intracameral (Sugrue and Viader 1986, Eur J Pharmacol. 130:349-350; Fernandez-Durango et al. 1999, Eur J Pharmacol. 364:107-113) injection of the natriuretic peptides have been shown to be ocular hypotensive as well. Systemic administration of ANP in the rabbit, (Tsukahara et al. 1988, Ophthalmologica. 197:104-109) or human (Diestelhorst and Krieglstein 1989, Int Ophthalmol. 13:99-101) also lowers IOP. Unfortunately, it has not been possible to deliver these peptides topically due to their inability to penetrate the cornea. Therefore, these potent and efficacious IOP-lowering compounds have not been developed for such use.

There is a need for novel NPR-B agonists having improved bioavailability, as compared to isolated or synthesized natriuretic peptides, that can be used in the treatment of natriuretic peptide-mediated disorders, such as ocular disorders, diabetes-related disorders, vascular disorders, cardiac and cardiovascular pathologies, inflammation and other disorders described herein. The novel NPR-B agonists, compositions and methods of the present invention meet these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides novel NPR-B agonists, also referred to herein as natriuretic peptide mimics or similars, that are therapeutically useful for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) and treating other disorders where activation of the type B natriuretic peptide receptor will be beneficial. Specifically, the invention provides novel NPR-B agonists that activate the type B natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR-B). The invention further provides compositions containing such novel NPR-B agonists. The compositions provided herein may be ophthalmic compositions for use in methods of treating or preventing particular ophthalmic diseases such as glaucoma, preferably by lowering intraocular pressure, using such novel NPR-B agonists. Alternatively, the compositions provided herein may be used in methods of treating or preventing cardiovascular disorders, kidney disease, lung disease, skeletal disorders, infertility, and other disorders mediated by natriuretic peptides or proteins.

The invention is in part based on the inventors' finding that the novel NPR-B agonists described herein can provide improved bioavailability, increased chemical stability, and increased metabolic stability in body fluids or tissues, due to their significantly reduced molecular size as compared to the known natriuretic peptides. Certain embodiments of the present application generally pertain to novel peptides containing modified amino acids and that bind to and activate NPR-B with high specificity, as described in more detail herein.

It is specifically contemplated that any limitation discussed with respect to one embodiment of the invention may apply to any other embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, any composition of the invention may be used in any method of the invention, and any method of the invention may be used to produce or to utilize any composition of the invention.

As used herein, the term “NPR-B agonist” refers to the novel molecules described herein that activate the NPR-B with high potency.

The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternative are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and/or.”

Throughout this application, the term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the standard deviation of error for the device and/or method being employed to determine the value.

As used herein the specification, “a” or “an” may mean one or more, unless clearly indicated otherwise. As used herein in the claim(s), when used in conjunction with the word “comprising,” the words “a” or “an” may mean one or more than one. As used herein “another” may mean at least a second or more.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The following figures form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein.

FIG. 1. Illustrates the amino acid sequence of ANP (SEQ ID NO:1), BNP (SEQ ID NO:2) and CNP (SEQ ID NO:3).

FIG. 2. Illustrates the effects of CNP, ANP, BNP and mini-ANP (SEQ ID NO:18) on cyclic GMP production in GTM-3 cells. GTM-3 cells have been shown to express NPR-B (Pang et al. 1996, Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 37:1724-1731). The cells were treated with CNP (triangles), ANP (squares), BNP (diamonds) and mini-ANP (circles). The symbols represent mean values and standard deviations. The highest concentration of compounds used was 45 μM for ANP, BNP and mini-ANP and 5 μM for CNP. EC50 values were determined using the 4-Parameter Logistic Equation. CNP EC50=38.8 nM, ANP EC50=1.63 μM, BNP EC50=1.18 μM, mini-ANP EC50>45 μM. The Emax (maximum activation) of each compound was determined relative to the maximum activation of CNP, i.e. CNP Emax=100%, ANP Emax=15%, BNP Emax=20% and mini-ANP Emax=0%.

FIG. 3. Illustrates the effects of CNP, ANP, BNP and mini-ANP on cyclic GMP production in NPR-A transfected 293-T cells. NPR-A transfected 293-T cells were treated with CNP (triangles), ANP (squares), BNP (diamonds), and mini-ANP (circles). The symbols represent mean values and standard deviations. EC₅₀ was determined using the 4-Parameter Logistic Equation. EC₅₀ of ANP=73.0 nM, EC₅₀ of CNP=1.60 μM, EC₅₀ of BNP=1.85 μM, EC₅₀ of mini-ANP=1.54 μM.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is in part based on the finding that novel NPR-B agonists having improved bioavailability as compared to known natriuretic peptides are useful for lowering elevated intraocular pressure and treating glaucoma. Thus, the present invention is generally directed to novel NPR-B agonists and their use in methods of treating or preventing disorders mediated by natriuretic peptides or proteins. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the novel NPR-B agonists described herein are formulated for the treatment of ophthalmic diseases such as glaucoma, preferably by lowering the elevated intraocular pressure often associated with glaucoma, using a pharmaceutical composition that comprises one or more novel NPR-B agonists, as described herein. In other preferred embodiments, the novel NPR-B agonists described herein are formulated for the treatment of other natriuretic peptide- or protein-mediated disorders such as cardiovascular disorders, kidney disorders, lung disorders, skeletal disorders, fertility disorders, and fibrosis.

The hallmark feature of all known NP's is the 17 amino acid ring which is formed by an intramolecular cysteine bridge (see FIG. 1). The integrity of the cyclic structure of NP's is believed to be critical for the functional activity, i.e. NP receptor transduced cGMP production. The present inventors have discovered that certain linear peptides, such as the novel peptides described herein, having increased chemical and metabolic stability and the improved bioavailability as compared to known NP's, are useful in the treatment of natriuretic peptide- or protein-mediated disorders.

A. NOVEL PEPTIDES

The present invention provides novel NPR-B agonists having biological activity that is improved in certain aspects as compared to that of the known natriuretic peptides. The novel peptides of the invention include conventional and non-conventional amino acids. Conventional amino acids are identified according to their standard, three-letter codes, as set forth in Table 1, below.

TABLE 1 For conventional amino acids the 3-letter codes were used: 3-letter codes Amino acids Ala Alanine Cys Cysteine Asp Aspartic acid Glu Glutamic acid Phe Phenylalanine Gly Glycine His Histidine Ile Isoleucine Lys Lysine Leu Leucine Met Methionine Asn Asparagine Pro Proline Gln Glutamine Arg Arginine Ser Serine Thr Threonine Val Valine Trp Tryptophane Tyr Tyrosine

Non-conventional amino acids are identified according to a three-letter code, or other abbreviation, when present in the novel NPR-B agonists of the invention. Table 2, below, provides the full name, three-letter code or abbreviation, and structure of each non-conventional amino acid appearing in the sequences of the novel peptides described herein.

TABLE 2 List of abbreviations of non-conventional amino acids and other chemical structures. Name Abbr Structure (S)-2-((S)-3-amino-2,5- dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)-5- guanidinopentanoic acid Dim-Arg

rac-2-amino-4- morpholinobutanoic acid AR-385- 017

(S)-2-amino-3-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl) propanoic acid AR-314- 145

rac (1S,2S)-2- (octylcarbamoyl)cyclohexane carboxylic acid AR-314- 171

rac (1S,2S)-2- (hexylcarbamoyl)cyclohexane carboxylic acid AR-314- 170

rac (1R,2S)-2- octylcarbamoyl)cyclohexane carboxylic acid AR-314- 169

(S)-2-(6-hexanamido-1- oxoisoindolin-2-yl)-3- phenylpropanoic acid AR-385- 008

(S)-2-(4-octanamido-1,3- dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)-3- phenylpropanoic acid AR-314- 172

(S)-2-(5-hexanamido-1,3- dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)-3- phenylpropanoic acid AR-385- 042

(S,S)-2-(3-methyl-3-octanoylamino- 2-oxo-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-3-phenyl- propionic acid AR-314- 102

2-(7-Octanoyl-1-oxo-2,7-diaza- spiro[4.5]dec-2-yl)-3-phenyl- propionic acid AR-314- 087

1-(3 -Methyl-butyl)-piperazine AR-201- 124

Cycloheptyl-pyrrolidin-2-ylmethyl- amine ES-283- 049

(S)-Amino-thiophen-2-yl-acetic acid BB727

(R)-Amino-thiophen-2-yl-acetic acid BB726

2-Octylsulfanyl-propionic acid AR-201- 073

5-Pentylsulfanylmethyl-oxazole-2- carboxylic acid AR-201- 072

4-(4-Butyl-thiazol-2-ylamino)- benzoic acid AR-201- 069

4-(5-Butyl-thiazol-2-ylamino)- benzoic acid AR-201- 068

2-Hexylamino-oxazole-4-carboxylic acid AR-201- 062

2-Hexanoylamino-oxazole-4- carboxylic acid AR-201- 059

3-Hexyloxy-isoxazole-5-carboxylic acid AR-201- 058

2-Hexanoylamino-isonicotinic acid AR-201- 054

Octanoic acid 1-carboxy-ethyl ester AR-201- 049

Dodecanoic acid 1-carboxy-2- phenyl-ethyl ester AR-201- 048

(R)-2-Amino-4-(piperidin-1-yl) butanoic acid abu(pip)

8-amino-3,6-dioxaoctanoic acid Adx

(2,3,4,5,6-Pentahydroxy- hexylidenaminooxy)-acetic acid Gluc-Aoa

5-((4S)-2-oxohexahydro-1H- thieno[3,4-d]imidazol-4- yl)pentanoic acid 74

Adamantan-2-yl-amine 504

Cyclohexylamine 558

Cyclopentylamine 559

2-((1S,2R,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan- 2-yl)acetic acid 779

2-Phenethyl-benzoic acid 785

Dodecanoic acid 832

Aniline 873

Octanesulfonyl chloride 933

Hexyl chloroformate 1270

3-Phenyl-propionic acid 1281

4-Phenyl-butyric acid 1319

5-Phenyl-pentanoic acid 1320

4-Cyclohexyl-butyric acid 1339

3-Cyclohexyl-propionic acid 1340

(S)-3,3-dimethylbutan-2-amine 1381

2-(hexylamino)acetic acid 1625-Ac

Piperidine-1,2-dicarboxylic acid 1- benzyl ester 1695

4-Methyl-cyclohexyl-amine 1859

(1R,2R)-2-methylcyclohexanamine 1860

2-(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]- acetic acid 1888

(1R,2R,4R)-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2- amine 1906

(2-Methoxy-ethoxy)-acetyl chloride 1913

(1R,2R)-2- (benzyloxy)cyclohexanamine 1934

(S)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1- amine 2118

(S)-3-methylpiperidine 2137

4-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-butyric acid 2553

(1R,2R,4R)-1,7,7- trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2- amine 2797

2-((2S,3R,4R,5R)-2,3,4,5,6- pentahydroxyhexylamino)acetic acid 2857-Ac

Cyclobutyl-amine 2906

(S)-2-cyclopentylhexanoic acid 3218

3-Amino-4-hydroxy-benzoic acid 3421

1-Ethyl-propyl-amine 3791

(R)-2-methylbutan-1-amine 3806

2-Ethyl-butyl-amine 3816

3-(4-Bromo-phenyl)-propionic acid 4703

(4-Butoxy-phenyl)-acetic acid 4734

(1S,2R)-2- aminocyclohexanecarboxamide 5116

(1R,2S)-ethyl 2- aminocyclohexanecarboxylate 5118

(1R,2R)-ethyl 2- aminocyclohexanecarboxylate 5119

1-Propyl-butyl-amine 5121

(S)-3-amino-1-ethylazepan-2-one 5164

Decanoic acid 5587

(2-Butoxy-ethoxy)-acetic acid 6013

(E)-dodec-2-enoic acid 6014

(Z)-dodec-5-enoic acid 6015

(2S)-2-octylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid 6056

3-Octylsulfanyl-propionic acid 6057

7-Butylsulfanyl-heptanoic acid 6058

3-(Octane-1-sulfinyl)-propionic acid 6059

3-(Octane-1-sulfonyl)-propionic acid 6059(0)

rac-6-Hydroxy-decanoic acid (6071-OH)

rac-7-Hydroxy-dodecanoic acid (6072-OH)

5-Butyl-2H-pyrrazole-3-carboxylic acid 6182

2-Pentyl-benzooxazole-5-carboxylic acid 6988

(R)-2-aminobutanoic acid abu

3-Amino-1-carboxymethyl-pyridin- 2-one Acp

(S)-2-((S)-3-amino-2-oxopyrrolidin- 1-yl)-3-phenylpropanoic acid AFL

(S)-2-((R)-3-amino-2-oxopyrrolidin- 1-yl)-3-phenylpropanoic acid aFL

(R)-2-((R)-3-amino-2- oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)-3- phenylpropanoic acid afL

2-Aminoisobutyric acid Aib

2-Aminoindan-2-carboxylic acid Aic

rac-α-Methyl-leucine Aml

(R)-α-methyl-proline Amp

1-Aminomethyl- cyclopropanecarboxylic acid Amcp

4-Amino-piperdine-4-carboxylic acid Apc

4-Amino-1-(2-amino-ethyl)- piperidine-4-carboxylic acid Apc(Ae)

4-Amino-1-ethyl-piperidine-4- carboxylic acid Apc(Et)

4-Amino-1-methyl-piperidine-4- carboxylic acid Apc(Me)

(2S,4S)-4-aminopyrrolidine-2- carboxylic acid Apr

Azetidine-3-carboxylic acid Az3

(S)-azetidin-2-carboxylic acid Aze

(R)-azetidin-2-carboxylic acid aze

β-Alanine Bal

(S)-β-Homolysine Bhk

(2S,4R)-4-(benzyloxy)pyrrolidine- 2-carboxylic acid Bhp

(R)-β-homoleucine Ble

rac-2-amino-3-phenyl-butyric acid Bmf

(S)-2-((S)-3-(carboxymethyl)-2- oxopiperazin-1-yl)-5- guanidinopentanoic acid cDR

(S)-β-cyclohexylalanine Cha

Cycloheptyl-amine Che

(S)-Cyclohexylglycine Chg

(2S,4S)-4-hydroxypyrrolidine-2- carboxylic acid Chy

(S)-2-amino-2-cyclopropylacetic acid Cpa

(S)-2-amino-2-cyclopentylacetic acid Cpg

rac-(3R,4S)-cis-methanoproline Cpp

(S)-2-amino-3-(tert-butylthio) propanoic acid ctb

(S)-2-Amino-3-sulfopropanoic acid Cya

(R)-2,4-diaminobutanoic acid dab

(R)-2-amino-3-(neopentylamino) propanoic acid dap(1464)

(R)-2-amino-3-(bis(2-aminoethyl) amino)propanoic acid dap(6263)2

(R)-2-amino-3-(bis((1H-imidazol-2- yl)methyl)amino)propanoic acid dap(3846)2

(R)-2-amino-3-(piperidin-4- ylmethylamino)propanoic acid dap(6238)

((R)-2-amino-4-(dimethylamino) butanoic acid dab(Me2)

(R)-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid dap

(S)-2-amino-3-(dimethylamino) propanoic acid Dap(Me2)

(R)-2-amino-3-(dimethylamino) propanoic acid dap(Me2)

2-Amino-2-ethyl-butyric acid Deg

2-Aminoacrylic acid Dha

(S)-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrole-2- carboxylic acid Dhp

(R)-2,2-dimethylthiazolidine-4- carboxylic acid Dtp

(S)-3,4-dichloro-phenylalanine Eaa

(S)-2-(3-amino-2-oxoazepan-1-yl) acetic acid Eah

rac-Imidazolidine-2-carboxylic acid Eal

(S)-4-methyl-2-((S)-6-oxo-1,7- diazaspiro[4.4]nonan-7-yl) pentanoic acid Eam

rac-1-amino-2,3-dihydro-1H- indene-1-carboxylic acid Eao

2,3-Dihydro-1H-indole-2- carboxylic acid Eat

(2S,4S)-4-phenylpyrrolidine-2- carboxylic acid Eay

(R)-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid Eaz

1-Aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid Ebc

(R)-2-amino-3-(methylsulfanyl) propanoic acid Ebe

1-Amino-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid Eca

2-Amino-3-piperidin-4-yl-propionic acid Egg

-aminocyclohexanecarboxylic acid Egz

(1S,3R)-3-aminocyclohexane carboxylic acid Fio

trans-4-(aminomethyl)cyclohexane carboxylic acid Fir

Amino-piperidin-3-yl-acetic acid Fhy

(S)-2-amino-2-(piperidin-4-yl)acetic acid Fhz

(2S,4S)-4-fluoropyrrolidine-2- carboxylic acid Fpr

4-aminobutyric acid Gab

(R)-2-amino-3-guanidinopropanoic acid gdp

(2S,4R)-4-guanidinopyrrolidine-2- carboxylic acid Gup

(2S,3S)-3-hydroxypyrrolidine-2- carboxylic acid H3p

Hexanoic acid Hex

(S)-homo-phenylalanine Hfe

(S)-2-aminooctanoic acid Hgl

(R)-2-aminooctanoic acid hgl

(S)-2-amino-5-methylhexanoic acid Hle

(S)-homo-serine Hse

(R)-homo-serine hse

(2S,4R)-4-hydroxypyrrolidine-2- carboxylic acid Hyp

Piperidine-4-carboxylic acid Inp

Dodecane Lau

(R)-2-amino-6-(dimethylamino) hexanoic acid lys(Me2)

3-Aminomethyl-benzoic acid Mam

(R)-2-amino-4-(methylsulfonyl) butanoic acid metO₂

(S)-meta-chloro-phenylalanine Mcf

(S)-4-hydroxy-3-Iodo- phenylalanine Miy

(S)-meta-methyl-phenylalanine Mmf

(S)-3-(3-Pyridyl)-alanine Mpa

(3-Amino-phenyl)-acetic acid Mpe

(S)-meta-trifluoromethyl- phenylalanine Mtf

(R)-2-amino-4-guanidinobutanoic acid nar

rac-(2,3-Dihydroxy-propylamino)- acetic acid Nbhp

4-Butyl-thiazole Nbt

(3-Hydroxy-propylamino) acetic acid Nhpr

Phenethylamino-acetic acid NHfe

(S)-para-nitro-phenylalanine Nif

rac-Nipecotic acid Nip

(S)-Norleucine Nle

(R)-Norleucine nle

(S)-N-methyl-alanine Nma

(S)-N-methyl-aspartic acid Nmd

(S)-N-methyl-phenylalanine Nmf

(S)-N-methyl-isoleucine Nmi

(S)-N-methyl-lysine NmK

(S)-N-methyl-leucine Nml

(S)-N-methyl-arginine Nmr

(S)-2-amino-4,4-dimethylpentanoic acid Npg

4,4-Dimethyl-2-methylamino- pentanoic acid SH-112- 158

Benzylamino-acetic acid NPhe

(S)-4-methyl-2-(propylamino) pentanoic acid Npl

(S)-norvaline Nva

(R)-norvaline nva

Octanoic acid Occ

octane Oct

(2S,3aS,7aS)-octahydro-1H-indole- 2-carboxylic acid Oic

(S)-3-(2-pyridyl)-alanine Opa

(S)-ornithine Orn

(R)-ornithine orn

(R)-2-amino-5-(dimethylamino) pentanoic acid orn(Me2)

(S)-ortho-trifluoro-phenylalanine Otf

Piperazin-1-yl-acetic acid Paa

(S)-para-amino-phenylalanine Paf

(4-Aminomethyl)-benzoic acid Pam

(S)-para-bromo-phenylalanine Pbf

(2S,3R)-3-aminopyrrolidine-2- carboxylic acid Pca

(S)-para-chloro-phenylalanine Pcf

(S)-para-fluoro-phenylalanine Pff

(S)-phenylglycine Phg

(S)-pipecolinic acid Pip

(R)-pipecolinic acid Pip

(S)-para-methyl-phenylalanine Pmf

(S)-para-methoxy-phenylalanine Pmy

(S)-3-(4-Pyridyl)-alanine Ppa

(4-Amino-phenyl)-acetic acid Ppe

(S)-2-amino-3-(phosphonooxy) propanoic acid Pse

(2S, 3R)-2-Amino-3- (phosphonooxy) butanoic acid Pth

Sarcosine Sar

5-Butyl-thiazole Sbt

(S)-nipecotic acid Sni

(2S,4R)-4-aminopyrrolidine-2- carboxylic acid Tap

(2S,4R)-4-(dimethylamino) pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid Tap(2Me)

(2S,4R)-4-acetamidopyrrolidine-2- carboxylic acid Tap(Ac)

(2S,4R)-4-(2-aminoethylamino) pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid Tap(Ae)

(2S,4R)-4-(S)-3-amino-3- carboxypropaneamido)pyrrolidine- 2-carboxylic acid Tap(Asp(-))

4-(3-Amino-propylamino)- pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid Tap(Ap)

(2S,4R)-4-(3-aminopropanamido) pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid Tap(Bal)

(2S,4R)-4- (diethylamino)pyrrolidine-2- carboxylic acid Tap(Et2)

(2S,4R)-4-(ethylamino)pyrrolidine- 2-carboxylic acid Tap(Et)

(2S,4R)-4-(2-aminoacetamido) pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid Tap(G)

(S)-α-tert-butylglycine Tbg

(R)-α-tert-butylglycine tbg

(2S,4R)-4-fluoropyrrolidine-2- carboxylic acid Tfp

(S)-2-thienyl-alanine Thi

(S)-3-thienyl-alanine Thk

(S)-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid Thz

(S)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline- 3-carboxylic acid Tic

4-Amino-thiazol-2-carboxylic acid Tnc

(S)-2,3-Diamino-propionic acid (side chain prolongation) Udp

The novel NPR-B agonists of the invention comprise the general amino acid sequence of Formula I: B-Xaa₁-Xaa₂-Xaa₃-Xaa₄-Xaa₅-Xaa₆-Xaa₇-Xaa₈-Xaa₉-Xaa₁₀-Z  (I)

wherein

B is selected from the group consisting of H, R^(b1)—, R^(b2)—C(O)—, R^(b2)—S(O₂)—, R^(b3)—Baa-;

Baa is a conventional α-amino acid, a non-conventional α-amino acid or a β-amino acid;

R^(b1) is selected from C₁-C₁₂ alkyl optionally substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5), OH, OR^(b6), C₃-C₈ cyclic alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl; C₁-C₁₂ alkenyl optionally substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5), OH, OR^(b6), C₃-C₅ cyclic alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl; C₁-C₁₂ alkyl aryl optionally substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5), OH, or OR^(b6); C₁-C₁₂ alkynyl optionally substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5), OH, OR^(b6), C₃-C₅ cyclic alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl; aryl C₁-C₁₂ alkyl optionally substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5), OH, OR^(b6), C₃-C₅ cyclic alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl; C₁-C₁₂ alkyl C₃-C₅ cyclic alkyl optionally substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5), OH, OR^(b6), aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl; C₃-C₆ cyclic alkyl C₁-C₁₂ alkyl optionally substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5), OH, OR^(b6), aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl; C₁-C₉ alkylthio C₂-C₁₀ alkyl optionally substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5), OH, OR^(b6), C₃-C₅ cyclic alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl; C₁-C₉ alkylsulfonyl C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5), OH, OR^(b6), C₃-C₅ cyclic alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl; C₁-C₉ alkylsulfoxyl C₁-C₁₀ alkyl optionally substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5), OH, OR^(b6), C₃-C₅ cyclic alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl; CH₃—(CH₂)_(qb)—O—[—CH₂—(CH₂)_(nb)O]_(mb)—CH₂—(CH₂)_(pb)—, 2-thiazolo optionally substituted by C₁₋₈ alkyl;

qb=0-3

nb=1-3

mb=1-3

pb=1-3

R^(b2) is selected from C₁-C₁₂ alkyl optionally substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5), OH, OR^(b6), C₃-C₈ cyclic alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl; C₁-C₁₂ alkenyl optionally substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5), OH, OR^(b6) C₃-C₈ cyclic alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl; aryl C₁-C₁₂ alkyl optionally substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5), OH, OR^(b6), C₃-C₈ cyclic alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl; C₁-C₁₂ alkynyl optionally substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5), OH, OR^(b6) C₃-C₈ cyclic alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl; C₁-C₁₂ alkyl aryl optionally substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5), OH, or OR^(b6); C₁-C₁₂ alkyl C₃-C₅ cyclic alkyl optionally substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5), OH, OR^(b6), C₃-C₈ cyclic alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl; C₃-C₆ cyclic alkyl C₁-C₁₂ alkyl optionally substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5), OH, OR^(b6) C₃-C₈ cyclic alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl; C₁-C₉ alkylthio C₁-C₁₀ alkyl optionally substituted by NR^(b)R^(b5), OH, OR^(b6), C₃-C₈ cyclic alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl; C₁-C₉ alkylsulfonyl C₁-C₁₀ alkyl optionally substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5), OH, OR^(b6), C₃-C₅ cyclic alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl; C₁-C₉ alkylsulfoxyl C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5), OH, OR^(b6), C₃-C₅ cyclic alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl, CH₃—(CH₂)_(qb)—O—[—CH₂—(CH₂)_(nb)O]_(mb)—CH₂—(CH₂)_(pb)—;

qb=0-3

nb=1-3

mb=1-3

pb=0-3

R^(b3) is selected from H, R^(b1)—, R^(b2)—C(O)—, or R^(b2)—S(O₂)—;

R^(b4), R^(b5) and R^(b6) are, independently, selected from a group consisting of H, or C₁-C₄ alkyl, and

Xaa₁ is selected from the group consisting of a direct bond, a conventional α-amino acid; a non-conventional α-amino acid; a β-amino acid; a γ-amino acid; or a residue of Formula IIa-y:

R^(1a) is selected from H, C₁-C₆ alkyl;

R^(1b) is selected from H, C₁-C₆ alkyl optionally substituted by OH, hydroxyC₁-C₆ alkyl optionally substituted by OH;

R^(1c) is selected from H, C₁-C₆ alkyl;

R^(1d) is selected from H, C₁-C₆ alkyl;

R^(1a) and R^(1b) together may form a heterocyclic ring;

n¹ is 0 to 3;

Xaa₂ is an amino acid residue of Formula IIIa-g:

wherein

R^(2a) is selected from the group consisting of H, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, C₁-C₂ alkyl C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl and aryl C₁-C₂ alkyl;

R^(2b) and R^(2c) are, independently, selected from the group consisting of H, methyl, ethyl, propyl; and isopropyl, with the proviso that at least one of R^(2b) and R^(2c) is H;

R^(2d) represents from 0 to 3 substituents, each such substituent being, independently, selected from the group consisting of H, Cl, F, Br, NO₂, NH₂, CN, CF₃, OH, OR^(2e) and C₁-C₄ alkyl;

R^(2a) and R^(2b) or R^(2a) and R^(2c) together may form a heterocyclic ring;

R^(2e) is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, and isopropyl; or

Xaa₁ and Xaa₂ together may be selected from an amino acid residue of Formula IVa-b

Xaa₃ is selected from the group consisting of Gly, Ala, a conventional D-α-amino acid, a non-conventional D-α-amino acid, and an amino acid residue of Formula Va:

wherein R^(3a) is selected from the group consisting of H or C₁-C₄ alkyl;

R^(3b) is selected from the group consisting of H, —(CH₂)_(n3a)—X^(3a);

n3a is 1 to 5;

X^(3a) is selected from the group consisting of H, NR^(3c)R^(3d);

R^(3c) and R^(3d) are independently selected from a group consisting of H, C₁-C₈ alkyl, —(C═N)—NH₂ and —(CH₂)_(n3b)X^(3b);

n3b is 1 to 4;

X^(3b) is selected from the group consisting of NR^(3e)R^(3f), C₅-C₆ heteroaryl, C₄-C₇ heterocyclyl, —NHC(═N)NH₂;

R^(3e) and R^(3f) are independently selected from a group consisting of H, C₁-C₈ alkyl,

wherein R^(3e) and R^(3f) can form a cyclic structure;

R^(3a) and R^(3b) can be linked to form a cyclic structure; or R^(3a) and R^(3b) can be linked with a heteroatom selected from the group consisting of N, O, and S, to form a heterocyclic structure;

or

Xaa₂ and Xaa₃ together may be selected from an amino acid residue of Formula Vb:

wherein R^(3g) represents from 0 to 3 substituents, each such substituent being, independently, selected from the group consisting of H, Cl, F, Br, NO₂, NH₂, CN; CF₃, OH, OR^(3h) and C₁-C₄ alkyl;

R^(3h) is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄ alkyl

Xaa₄ is an amino acid residue of Formula VIa-h:

wherein R^(4a) is selected from the group consisting of H, C₁-C₈ alkyl which may be substituted with a moiety selected from the group consisting of OH, CO₂R^(4c), C(═O)—NH₂, a 5-6 membered heteroaryl, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₅-C₈ cycloalkyl C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, and C₅-C₈ cycloalkyl, —(CH₂)_(n4a)—X^(4a);

n^(4a) is 1 or 2;

R^(4b) is selected from the group consisting of H and methyl;

R^(4c) is selected from the group consisting of H, and C₁-C₃alkyl; and

X^(4a) is OH, CO₂R^(4d), NR^(4e)R^(4f), SR^(4g), 4-imidazoyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl;

R^(4d), R^(4e) and R^(4f) independently are selected from the group consisting of H, and C₁-C₃ alkyl;

R^(4g) is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₃ alkyl;

m4a, and m4b are independently selected from 0 or 1;

R^(4h) is C₂-C₆ alkyl;

or

Xaa₃ and Xaa₄ together may be selected from an amino acid residue of Formula VIb-h;

Xaa₅ is an amino acid residue of Formula VII:

wherein R^(5a) is (CH₂)_(n5a)—X^(5a);

n5a is 1 to 6;

X^(5a) is selected from the group consisting of H, NH₂, and a C₄₋₇ amine-containing aliphatic heterocyclic ring;

R^(5b) is selected from the group consisting of H and methyl;

R^(5c) is selected from the group consisting of H and methyl;

and wherein R^(5c) and R^(5a) can combine to form a four to six membered heterocyclic ring or can be linked with a heteroatom selected from the group consisting of N, O, and S to form a monocyclic or bicyclic heterocyclic structure; wherein said heterocyclic ring may have from 0 to 3 substituents, each such substituent being, independently, selected from from the group consisting of OH, OR^(5d), F, C₁-C₄ alkyl, —NHC(═NH)NH₂, aryl and NR^(5e)R^(5f);

R^(5d) is selected from C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkylaryl;

R^(5e) is selected from the group consisting of H, C₁-C₄ alkyl, —C(═O)(CH₂)_(n5b)—X^(5b), —CH₂(CH₂)_(n5c)—X^(5b);

R^(5f) is selected from the group consisting of H, C₁-C₄ alkyl, —CH₂(CH₂)_(n5d)—X^(5c);

n5b is selected from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, and 4;

n5c and n5d are independently selected from the group consisting of 2, 3, and 4;

X^(5b) and X^(5c) are independently selected from the group consisting of H, NR^(5g)R^(5h);

R^(5g) and R^(5h) are independently selected from a group consisting of H, C₁-C₄ alkyl;

Xaa₆ is an amino acid residue of Formula VIIIa-d:

wherein R^(6a) is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₅ alkyl, aryl C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₄-C₇ cycloalkyl C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkyl S(C₁-C₄alkyl), and C₄-C₇ cycloalkyl, wherein said C₁-C₅ alkyl and C₄-C₇ cycloalkyl may be substituted with a moiety selected from the group consisting of OH, O(C₁-C₄ alkyl), S(C₁-C₄ alkyl), and NR^(6d)R^(6e);

R^(6b) is H;

R^(6c) is selected from the group consisting of H, and C₁-C₄alkyl;

R^(6d), and R^(6e) are, independently, selected from the group consisting of H, and C₁-C₄ alkyl;

wherein R^(6a) and R^(6c) can form a cyclic structure, which may be substituted with a moiety selected from the group consisting of OH, C₁-C₄ alkyl, NH₂ and F;

or R^(6a) and R^(6c) can be linked with a heteroatom selected from the group consisting of N, O, and S, to form a heterocyclic structure;

or

Xaa₅ and Xaa₆ together may be an amino acid residue of Formula VIIIe:

Xaa₇ is an amino acid residue of Formula IXa-b:

wherein R^(7a) is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl, 2-thienyl, (CH₂)_(n7a)—X^(7a), and C₁-C₄ alkyl substituted with OH;

R^(7b) is H, and 2-thienyl;

R^(7c) is selected from a group consisting of H, and methyl;

R^(7d) is C₁-C₄ alkyl;

n^(7a) is selected from the group consisting of 1 and 2;

X^(7a) is selected from the group consisting of 2-thienyl, C(═O)OR^(7e), C(═O)NH₂, S(═O)₂OH, OS(═O)₂OH, B(OH)₂, P(═O)(OH)₂, and OP(═O)(OH)₂;

wherein R^(7e) is selected from the group consisting of H, and C₁-C₄ alkyl;

Xaa₈ is an amino acid residue of Formula Xa-g:

wherein R^(8a) is selected from the group consisting of (CH₂)_(m8a)—X^(8a), and a C₄-C₇ nitrogen-containing aliphatic heterocyclic ring;

m^(8a)=1-5;

X^(8a) is selected from the group consisting of H, NH₂, and —NHC(═NH)NH₂;

R^(8b) is selected from the group consisting of H and methyl;

R^(8c) is selected from the group consisting of H, NH₂, and OH;

Y^(8a) is selected from the group consisting of CH(R^(8d)), and S;

R^(8d) is selected from the group consisting H, aryl, and OH;

Y^(8b) is selected from the group consisting of CH(R^(8e)), and NH;

R^(8e) is selected from the group consisting H, NH₂ and OH;

Y^(8c) is selected from the group CH₂, and NR^(8f);

R^(8f) is selected from the group H, —C(═NH)NH₂, and —C(═O)CH₂NH₂;

or

Xaa₇ and Xaa₈ together may be an amino acid residue of Formula Xh:

Xaa₉ is selected from the group consisting of a direct bond, and an amino acid residue of Formula XIa-c,

wherein R^(9a) is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₅ alkyl, and C₄-C₇ cycloalkyl;

R^(9b) is selected from the group consisting of H, C₁-C₅ alkyl;

and wherein R^(9a) and R^(9b) can form a 5-7 membered cycloalkyl ring;

R^(9c) is selected from the group consisting of H, methyl;

or

Xaa₈ and Xaa₉ together may be a residue of Formula XId:

and

Z is selected from the group consisting of H, OR^(11a), NHR^(11b) a conventional α-amino acid, a non-conventional α-amino acid, a β-amino acid; and a peptide consisting of from 2 to 30 amino acids selected from the group consisting of conventional α-amino acids, non-conventional α-amino acids, and β-amino acids;

wherein R^(11a) and R^(11b) are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₄-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₇-C₁₂ bicycloalkyl, C₇-C₁₂ cycloalkylaryl, C₁-C₄ alkyl C₄-C₈ cycloalkyl, or a residue of formula XIIa-c:

As used herein, the phrase “optionally substituted” shall be understood by the skilled artisan to mean that the moiety to which the phrase refers may be unsubstituted, or it may be substituted with certain specified additional moieties. For example, the phrase “C₁-C₁₂ alkyl optionally substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5), OH, OR^(b6), C₃-C₈ cyclic alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl” refers to a C₁-C₁₂ alkyl compound that is either non-substituted or is substituted by a moiety selected from the group consisting of NR^(b4)R^(b5), OH, OR^(b6), C₃-C₅ cyclic alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and heterocyclyl. The compound, hexane, would be considered a C₆ alkyl compound that is not substituted, while the compound 3-hexanol is a C₆ alkyl compound that is substituted on the third carbon atom with an OH moiety.

In certain preferred NPR-B agonists of the invention:

B is selected from the group consisting of R^(b1)—, R^(b2)—C(O)—;

R^(b1) is selected from C₁-C₁₂ alkyl optionally substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5);

R^(b2) is selected from C₁-C₁₂ alkyl optionally substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5);

R^(b4), and R^(b5) are, independently, selected from a group consisting of H, and C₁-C₄ alkyl, and

Xaa₁ is selected from the group consisting of a direct bond, a conventional α-amino acid; a non-conventional α-amino acid; a β-amino acid; or a residue selected from the group consisting of Formula IIa, IIs, IIt, IIu, and IIv:

R^(1a) is selected from H, C₁-C₆ alkyl;

R^(1b) is selected from H, C₁-C₆ alkyl optionally substituted by OH, hydroxyC₁-C₆ alkyl optionally substituted by OH;

R^(1c) is selected from H, C₁-C₆ alkyl;

R^(1a) and R^(1b) together may form a heterocyclic ring;

n¹ is 0 to 3; and

Xaa₂ is an amino acid residue of Formula IIIa or Formula IIIb:

wherein

-   -   R^(2a) is selected from the group consisting of H, methyl,         ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, C₁-C₂ alkyl C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl and aryl         C₁-C₂ alkyl;     -   R^(2b) and R^(2c) are, independently, selected from the group         consisting of H, methyl, ethyl, propyl; and isopropyl, with the         proviso that at least one of R^(2b) and R^(2c) is H;     -   R^(2d) represents from 0 to 3 substituents, each such         substituent being, independently, selected from the group         consisting of H, Cl, F, Br, NO₂, NH₂, CN, CF₃, OH, OR^(2e) and         C₁-C₄ alkyl;     -   R^(2a) and R^(2b) or R^(2a) and R^(2c) together may form a         heterocyclic ring;     -   R^(2e) is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl,         propyl, and isopropyl; and

Xaa₃ is an amino acid residue of Formula Va:

-   -   wherein R^(3a) is selected from the group consisting of H or         C₁-C₄ alkyl;     -   R^(3b) is selected from the group consisting of H,         —(CH₂)_(n3a)—X^(3a);     -   n3a is 1 to 5;     -   X^(3a) is selected from the group consisting of H,         NR^(3c)R^(3d);     -   R^(3c) and R^(3d) are independently selected from a group         consisting of H, C₁-C₅ alkyl, —(C═N)—NH₂ and —(CH₂)_(n3b)X^(3b);     -   n3b is 1 to 4;     -   X^(3b) is selected from the group consisting of NR^(3e)R^(3f),         C₅-C₆ heteroaryl, C₄-C₇ heterocyclyl, —NHC(═N)NH₂;     -   R^(3e) and R^(3f) are independently selected from a group         consisting of H, C₁-C₈ alkyl,     -   wherein R^(3e) and R^(3f) can form a cyclic structure;     -   R^(3a) and R^(3b) can be linked to form a cyclic structure; or         R^(3a) and R^(3b) can be linked with a heteroatom selected from         the group consisting of N, O, and S, to form a heterocyclic         structure;         and

Xaa₄ is an amino acid residue of Formula VIa:

-   -   wherein R^(4a) is selected from the group consisting of H, C₁-C₈         alkyl which may be substituted with a moiety selected from the         group consisting of OH, CO₂R^(4c), C(═O)—NH₂, a 5-6 membered         heteroaryl, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₅-C₅ cycloalkyl C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, and         C₅-C₅ cycloalkyl;     -   n4a is 1 or 2;     -   R^(4b) is selected from the group consisting of H and methyl;     -   R^(4c) is selected from the group consisting of H, and         C₁₋₃alkyl; and and

Xaa₅ is an amino acid residue of Formula VII:

-   -   wherein R^(5a) is (CH₂)_(n5a)—X^(5a);     -   n5a is 1 to 6;     -   X^(5a) is selected from the group consisting of H, NH₂, and a         C₄₋₇ amine-containing aliphatic heterocyclic ring;     -   R^(5b) is selected from the group consisting of H and methyl;     -   R^(5c) is selected from the group consisting of H and methyl;     -   and wherein R^(5c) and R^(5a) can combine to form a four to six         membered heterocyclic ring wherein said heterocyclic ring may         have from 0 to 2 substituents, each such substituent being,         independently, selected from from the group consisting of OH,         OR^(5d)F, C₁-C₄ alkyl, —NHC(═NH)NH₂, aryl and NR^(5e)R^(5f);     -   R^(5d) is selected from C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkylaryl;     -   R^(5e) is selected from the group consisting of H, C₁-C₄ alkyl,         —C(═O)(CH₂)_(n5b)—X^(5b), —CH₂(CH₂)_(n5c)—X^(5b);     -   R^(5f) is selected from the group consisting of H, C₁-C₄ alkyl,         —CH₂(CH₂)_(n5d)—X^(5c);     -   n5b is selected from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, and 4;     -   n5c and n5d are independently selected from the group consisting         of 2, 3, and 4;     -   X^(5b) and X^(5c) are independently selected from the group         consisting of H, NR^(5g)R^(5h);     -   R^(5g) and R^(5h) are independently selected from a group         consisting of H, C₁-C₄ alkyl and

Xaa₆ is an amino acid residue of Formula VIIIa:

-   -   wherein R^(6a) is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₈         alkyl, aryl C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₄-C₇ cycloalkyl C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄         alkyl S(C₁-C₄alkyl), and C₄-C₇ cycloalkyl, wherein said C₁-C₅         alkyl and C₄-C₇ cycloalkyl may be substituted with a moiety         selected from the group consisting of OH, O(C₁-C₄ alkyl), and         S(C₁-C₄ alkyl);     -   R^(6b) is H;     -   R^(6c) is selected from the group consisting of H, and         C₁-C₄alkyl; and

Xaa₇ is an amino acid residue of Formula IXa:

-   -   wherein R^(7a) is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄         alkyl, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl, 2-thienyl, and C₁-C₄ alkyl substituted         with OH;     -   R^(7b) is H, and 2-thienyl;     -   R^(7c) is selected from a group consisting of H, and methyl;     -   and

Xaa₈ is an amino acid residue of Formula X(a)-(g):

-   -   wherein R^(8a) is (CH₂)_(m8a)—X^(8a);     -   m^(8a)=1-5;     -   X^(8a) is selected from the group consisting of H, NH₂, and         —NHC(═NH)NH₂;     -   R^(8b) is selected from the group consisting of H and methyl;         and     -   Xaa₉ is selected from the group consisting of a direct bond, and         an amino acid residue of Formula XIa-c,

-   -   wherein R^(9a) is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₅         alkyl, and C₄-C₇ cycloalkyl;     -   R^(9b) is selected from the group consisting of H, and C₁-C₅         alkyl;     -   or R^(9a) and R^(9b) can form a 5-7 membered cycloalkyl ring;     -   R^(9c) is selected from the group consisting of H, and methyl;     -   and     -   Z is NHR^(11b);     -   wherein R^(11b) is selected from the group consisting of H,         C₁-C₅ alkyl, C₄-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₇-C₁₂ bicycloalkyl, C₇-C₁₂         cycloalkylaryl, C₁-C₄ alkyl C₄-C₈ cycloalkyl, or a residue of         formula XIIa-c

In more preferred embodiments of the present invention, B is selected from the group consisting of R^(b1)—, and R^(b2)—C(O)—;

R^(b1) is selected from the group consisting of C₆-C₁₀ alkyl and C₆-C₁₀ alkyl substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5);

R^(b2) is selected from the group consisting of C₆-C₁₀ alkyl and C₆-C₁₀ alkyl substituted by NR^(b4)R^(b5);

R^(b4), and R^(b5) are, independently, selected from a group consisting of H, and C₁-C₄ alkyl, and

Xaa₁ is selected from the group consisting of a direct bond, a conventional α-amino acid; a non-conventional α-amino acid; a β-amino acid; a residue of Formula IIa, a residue of Formula IIs, a residue of Formula IIt, a residue of Formula IIu, and a residue of Formula IIv

wherein R^(1a) is selected from H, and C₁-C₄ alkyl;

R^(1b) is selected from H, C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally substituted by OH, and hydroxy C₁-C₄ alkyl optionally substituted by OH;

R^(1c) is selected from H, C₁-C₆ alkyl;

R^(1a) and R^(1b) together may form a heterocyclic ring;

n¹ is 0, 1; and

Xaa₂ is an amino acid residue of Formula III:

wherein

-   -   R^(2a) is selected from the group consisting of H, methyl,         ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, C₁-C₂ alkyl C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl and aryl         C₁-C₂ alkyl;     -   R^(2b) and R^(2c) are, independently, selected from the group         consisting of H, methyl, ethyl, propyl; and isopropyl, with the         proviso that at least one of R^(2b) and R^(2c) is H;     -   R^(2d) represents from 0 to 3 substituents, each such         substituent being, independently, selected from the group         consisting of H, Cl, F, Br, CN, CF₃, OH, OR^(2e) and C₁-C₄         alkyl;     -   R^(2e) is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl,         propyl, and isopropyl; and

Xaa₃ is an amino acid residue of Formula Va:

-   -   wherein R^(3a) is selected from the group consisting of H and         C₁-C₄ alkyl;     -   R^(3b) is selected from the group consisting of H, and         —(CH₂)_(n3a)—X^(3a);     -   n3a is 1 to 5;     -   X^(3a) is selected from the group consisting of H, and         NR^(3c)R^(3d);     -   R^(3c) and R^(3d) are independently selected from a group         consisting of H, C₁-C₅ alkyl, and —(C═N)—NH₂;     -   R^(3a) and R^(3b) can be linked to form a cyclic structure; or         R^(3a) and R^(3b) can be linked with a heteroatom selected from         the group consisting of N, O, and S, to form a heterocyclic         structure;         and

Xaa₄ is an amino acid residue of Formula VIa:

-   -   wherein R^(4a) is selected from the group consisting of H, C₁-C₈         alkyl which may be substituted with a moiety selected from the         group consisting of OH, and CO₂R^(4c);     -   R^(4b) is selected from the group consisting of H and methyl;     -   R^(4c) is selected from the group consisting of H, and         C₁-C₃alkyl; and     -   and

Xaa₅ is an amino acid residue of Formula VII:

-   -   wherein R^(5a) is (CH₂)_(n5a)—X^(5a);     -   n5a is 1 to 6;     -   X^(5a) is selected from the group consisting of H, NH₂, and a         C₄₋₇ amine-containing aliphatic heterocyclic ring;     -   R^(5b) is selected from the group consisting of H and methyl;     -   R^(5c) is selected from the group consisting of H and methyl;         and wherein R^(5c) and R^(5a) can combine to form a four to six         membered heterocyclic ring wherein said heterocyclic ring may         have from 0 to 2 substituents, each such substituent being         independently selected from from the group consisting of OH, F,         C₁-C₄ alkyl, —NHC(═NH)NH₂, aryl and NR^(5e)R5f;     -   R^(5e) is selected from the group consisting of H, C₁-C₄ alkyl,         —C(═O)(CH₂)_(n5b)—X^(5b), and —CH₂(CH₂)_(n5c)—X^(5b);     -   R^(5f) is selected from the group consisting of H, C₁-C₄ alkyl,         and —CH₂(CH₂)_(n5d)—X^(5c);     -   n5b is selected from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, and 4;     -   n5c and n5d are independently selected from the group consisting         of 2, 3, and 4;     -   X^(5b) and X^(5c) are independently selected from the group         consisting of H, and NR^(5g)R^(5h);     -   R^(5g) and R^(5h) are independently selected from a group         consisting of H, and C₁-C₄ alkyl and

Xaa₆ is an amino acid residue of Formula VIIIa:

-   -   wherein R^(6a) is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₅         alkyl, aryl C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₄-C₇ cycloalkyl C₁-C₄ alkyl, and C₄-C₇         cycloalkyl, wherein said C₁-C₅ alkyl and C₄-C₇ cycloalkyl may be         substituted with a moiety selected from the group consisting of         OH, and O(C₁-C₄ alkyl);     -   R^(6b) is H;     -   R^(6c) is selected from the group consisting of H, and         C₁-C₄alkyl; and

Xaa₇ is an amino acid residue of Formula IX:

-   -   wherein R^(7a) is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄         alkyl, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl, 2-thienyl, and C₁-C₄ alkyl substituted         with OH;     -   R^(7b) is H, and 2-thienyl;     -   R^(7c) is selected from a group consisting of H, and methyl;     -   and

Xaa₈ is an amino acid residue of Formula Xa:

-   -   wherein R^(8a) is (CH₂)_(m8a)—X^(8a);     -   m^(8a)=1-5;     -   X^(8a) is selected from the group consisting of H, NH₂, and         —NHC(═NH)NH₂;     -   R^(8b) is selected from the group consisting of H and methyl;         and     -   Xaa₉ is selected from the group consisting of a direct bond, and         an amino acid residue of Formula XIa,

-   -   wherein R^(9a) is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₅         alkyl, and C₄-C₇ cycloalkyl;     -   R^(9b) is selected from the group consisting of H, and C₁-C₅         alkyl;     -   and wherein R^(9a) and R^(9b) can form a 5-7 membered cycloalkyl         ring;     -   R^(9c) is selected from the group consisting of H, and methyl;         and     -   Z is NHR^(11b);     -   wherein R^(11b) is selected from the group consisting of H,         C₁-C₅ alkyl, C₄-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₇-C₁₂ bicycloalkyl, C₇-C₁₂         cycloalkylaryl, and C₁-C₄ alkyl C₄-C₈ cycloalkyl.

The sequences of the preferred novel NPR-B agonists of the invention are provided herein in typical peptide sequence format, as would be understood by the ordinary skilled artisan. For example, the three-letter code of a conventional amino acid, or the abbreviation for a non-conventional amino acid, indicates the presence of a particular amino acid in a specified position in the sequence of the molecule, each amino acid being connected to the next and/or previous amino acid by a hyphen. The hyphen, which represents a chemical bond, typically an amide bond, removes OH from the 1-carboxyl group of the amino acid when it is placed right of the abbreviation, and removes H from the 2-amino group (or the only present amino group in case of amino acids lacking a 2-amino group, e.g., Bal) of the amino acid when it is placed on the left of the abbreviation. It is understood that both modifications can apply to one amino acid.

In the case of additional functional groups in the side chains of conventional or non-conventional amino acids, only the 2-amino and/or the 1-carboxy group is used for the formation of peptide bonds.

The C-termini of the novel NPR-B agonists described herein are shown in explicit form by adding either OH, NH2 or an abbreviation for a specific terminating amine separated by a hyphen on the right of the abbreviation of the C-terminal amino acid.

These specific terminating amines are provided in Table 2 as full formulas and similar conventions with regard to hyphens and its structure in a peptide context apply to them, e.g., 3791=NH₂—CH(CH₂—CH₃)—CH₂—CH₃ −3791=—NH—CH(CH₂—CH₃)—CH₂—CH₃

The N-termini of the novel peptides described herein are shown in explicit form by adding either H (for a free N-terminus), or an abbreviation for a specific terminating carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid or another terminating group in front of the symbol of the N-terminal amino acid.

These specific terminating carboxylic acids, sulfonic acids or other terminating groups like alkyl are provided in Table 2 as full formulas and similar conventions with regard to hyphens and its structure in a peptide context apply to them, e.g., Hex=Hexanoic acid Hex-=Hexanoyl-.

For conventional amino acids and some non-conventional amino acids, a 3-letter code was used where the first letter indicates the stereochemistry of the C-alpha-atom. For example, a capital first letter indicates that the L-form of the amino acid is present in the peptide sequence, while a lower case first letter indicates that the D-form of the correspondent amino acid is present in the peptide sequence.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the novel NPR-B agonist is an 8-13 amino acid peptide having a sequence as set forth in Table 3. The agonistic activity of the preferred compounds is also provided in Table 3 and was categorized based upon the following conventions:

NPR-B activation (assayed with GTM-3 Cells) EC₅₀ Emax (CNP = 100%) Group  ≤1 μM >50% A  ≤5 μM >20% B ≤15 μM >10% C

The agonistic activity data of each compound was checked first to determine whether it fulfills the criteria for the activity group A. If it did not fulfill the criteria for activity group A, it was checked for group B criteria. If it did not fulfill the criteria for activity group A or activity group B, it was finally checked for group C criteria. If it did not fulfill the criteria for activity group C, it was not included in Table 3.

All examples in Table 3 are linear peptides written in three letter code where applicable. For non-conventional amino acids and other chemical moieties the abbreviations which are listed in Table 2 were used. In vitro activities reported in Table 3 resulted from experiments performed according to the methods described in Example 4.

In certain embodiments of the NPR-B agonists of the invention, in the compound of Formula 1:

B will be selected from a bond, Occ, Oct, Sbt, 1319, 1320, and 5587;

Xaa₁ will be selected from Gly, AR-201-49, AR-201-68, ala, abu, his, aze, pro, pip, thz, thi, asn, ser, His, Ala, Ser, Bal, Sni, Az3, and Gab;

Xaa₂ will be selected from Phe, Pcf, Nmf, Pbf, Pff, Pmf, Eaa. Mcf, Thk, and Mtf;

Xaa₃ will be selected from Gly, Aib, Ebc, a conventional D-α-amino acid, and a non-conventional D-α-amino acid, and will preferably be selected from Gly, Fhy, Apc, Egz, Aib, Ebc, ala, lys, lys(Me2), arg, leu, nle, ctb, abu, AR-385-12, Egg, ser, orn, orn(Me2), and dap(Me₂);

Xaa₄ will be selected from Leu, Nva, Nle, Hle, Npg, Cha, and Ala;

Xaa₅ will be selected from Lys, Orn, Hly, Hpa, Dab, Arg, N(alkyl) derivatives of any of the preceding amino acids, Nmk, Hpr, Pro, Tfp, Apr, Eaz, Hyp, Tap, Tap(G), Tap(Bal), Tap(Et), Tap(Ae), Tap(Ap), Amp, Pip, and Chy;

Xaa₆ will be selected from a bond, Leu, Ile, Nml, Tap, Npg, SH-158, Dap(Me2), Cpg, Val, Tbg, Chg, Hle, Nle, and N(alkyl) derivatives of any of the preceding amino acids;

Xaa₇ will be selected from Asp, Val, BB725, BB727, Ser, Thr, and Cya;

Xaa₈ will be selected from Arg, Nmr, Pro, Eaz, Pca, Orn, Fhz, Har, Nar, Cyr, Mmr, Dmr, Bmr, Opy, and N(alkyl) derivatives of any of the preceding amino acids;

Xaa₉ will be selected from Ile, Tbg, Deg, Egz, Aml, 1860, Che, Nmi, Leu, Val, Ecb, and Eca; and

Xaa₁₀ will be selected from a bond, Ser and a N(alkyl) derivative thereof.

TABLE 3 Preferred compounds according to the present invention and their agonistic activity in in vitro assays. SEQ ID (M + H)⁺ in Activity Structure JAL NO: MS [amu] (group) Ilex-Ebe-pro-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Ile-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 19 1446 C Ser-Ebe-NH₂; 0533 Ilex-Ebe-pro-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Ile-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 20 1477 C Ser-Ebe-NH₂; 0534 Ilex-Ser-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 21 1391 C Ser-Ser-NH₂; 0535 Ilex-Ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 22 1359 B Ser-Ala-NH₂; 0536 Ilex-Ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 23 1345 C Ser-Gly-NH₂; 0537 Ilex-Gly-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 24 1345 B Ser-Ala-NH₂; 0538 Ilex-Gly-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 25 1331 B Ser-Gly-NH₂; 0539 Ilex-Ebe-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 26 1334 C Ser-NH₂; 0540 Ilex-Ebe-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 27 1247 C NH₂; 0541 Ilex-Gab-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-Ser- JAL- 28 1348 C Ebe-NH₂; 0542 Ilex-Mam-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-Ser- JAL- 29 1396 C Ebe-NH₂; 0543 Ilex-Gly-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 30 1188 C NH₂; 0631 Ilex-Ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 31 1202 C NH₂; 0632 Ilex-Ser-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 32 1218 C NH₂; 0633 Ilex-Pro-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 33 1228 C NH₂; 0634 Ilex-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 34 1201 C NH₂; 0635 Ilex-Gly-pro-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 35 1213 C NH₂; 0636 Ilex-Ser-pro-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 36 1241 C NH₂; 0638 Ilex-Mam-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 37 1193 C NH₂; 0647 Ilex-Pam-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 38 1193 C NH₂; 0648 Ilex-Mpe-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 39 1193 C NH₂; 0649 Ilex-Ppe-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 40 1193 C 0650 Ilex-Inp-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 41 1171 C 0651 Ilex-Acp-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 42 1210 C NH₂; 0652 Ilex-Fir-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 43 1199 C 0653 Ilex-Nip-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 44 1171 C 0654 Ilex-Eah-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 45 1228 C NH₂; 0656 Ilex-Fio-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 46 1185 C 0657 Ilex-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Eca- JAL- 47 1199 C NH₂; 0692 1339-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 48 1255 C NH₂; 0693 Occ-pro-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 49 1184 C NH₂; 0694 1339-pro-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 50 1210 C NH₂; 0695 1320-pro-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 51 1218 C NH₂; 0696 Occ-Nip-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 52 1198 B 0697 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 53 1229 B NH₂; 0701 1340-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 54 1241 C NH₂; 0703 Ilex-Tnc-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 55 1186 C NH₂; 0713 Ilex-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Chg- JAL- 56 1227 C NH₂; 0718 Ilex-ala-ala-Phe-Paa-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 57 1157 C 0731 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 58 1158 C 0738 Occ-thz-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 59 1202 C 0739 Occ-aze-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 60 1170 C 0740 Occ-Az3-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 61 1170 C NH₂; 0742 Occ-Sni-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 62 1198 B 0743 Occ-Rni-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 63 1198 C 0744 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-2137; JAL- 64 1199 C 0748 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-3816; JAL- 65 1201 C 0749 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-3806; JAL- 66 1187 C 0751 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-565; JAL- 67 1200 B 0752 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-2797; JAL- 68 1252 B 0754 Occ-val-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 69 1186 C 0756 Occ-tbg-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 70 1200 C 0758 Occ-Amcp-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 71 1184 C NH₂; 0760 Occ-Ebc-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 72 1170 C 0761 Occ-abu-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 0762 73 1171 C Occ-ser-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 74 1174 C 0763 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 75 1229 C NH₂; 0769 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Ile-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 76 1229 C NH₂; 0770 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Val-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 77 1215 C NH₂; 0771 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Chg-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 78 1255 C NH₂; 0772 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Nle-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 79 1229 C NH₂; 0775 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 80 1243 C NH₂; 0776 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 81 1214 B NH₂; 0781_01 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Nmk-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 82 1243 C NH₂; 0782 933-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 83 1208 C 0786 1270-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 84 1160 C 0787 4956-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 85 1144 C 0788 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Ly s-Leu-Asp-Arg-1860; JAL- 86 1213 B 0789 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-504; JAL- 87 1251 C 0790 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-559; JAL- 88 1185 C 0791 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-3791; JAL- 89 1187 C 0792 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Che; JAL- 90 1212 B 0797 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Ly s-Leu-Asp-Arg-1859; JAL- 91 1211 C 0798 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-1934; JAL- 92 1304 B 0799 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-1906; JAL- 93 1209 B 0801 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-873; JAL- 94 1192 C 0824 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-5116; JAL- 95 1241 C 0825 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-5119; JAL- 96 1270 B 0826 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Ly s-Leu-Asp-Arg-5118; JAL- 97 1270 C 0831 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Ly s-Leu-Asp-Arg-5163; JAL- 98 1227 C 0833 Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Ly s-Leu-Asp-Arg-5164; JAL- 99 1255 C 0834 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 100 1127 C 0835 Occ-pro-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 101 1153 C 0836 Occ-Sni-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 102 1167 C 0837 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-1860; JAL- 103 1141 B 0839 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-Che; JAL- 104 1141 C 0840 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Lys-Leu-Asp-Arg-5121; JAL- 105 1143 C 0841 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Ile-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 106 1127 C 0894 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 107 1141 B 0895 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Npg-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 108 1141 C 0896 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 109 1143 B 0898 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Npg-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 110 1141 C 0903 Occ-ala-Nmf-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 111 1141 C 0906 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Nmr-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 112 1141 C 0921 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asn-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 113 1127 C 0924 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Nva-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 114 1111 C 0926 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Val-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 115 1111 C 0927 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Thr-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 116 1113 C 0929 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Cha-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 117 1167 C 0940 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Nle-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 118 1127 C 0942 Occ-ala-Phe-Aib-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 119 1155 C 0943 Occ-ala-Phe-ala-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 120 1141 C 0944 Occ-ala-Phe-Ebc-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 121 1153 C 0945 Occ-ala-Mcf-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 122 1161 C 0946 Occ-Sar-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 123 1127 C 0950 Occ-Gly-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 124 1113 C 0951 Occ-aze-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 125 1139 B 0953 Occ-ala-Nmf-Gly-Leu-Pro-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 126 1155 B NH₂; 0954 Occ-pro-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 127 1167 B 0955_01 Occ-Sni-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 128 1181 B 0956 Occ-pro-Nmf-Gly-Leu-Pro-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 129 1181 C NH₂; 0957 Occ-Sni-Nmf-Gly-Leu-Pro-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 130 1195 B NH2; 0958_01 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Hle-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 131 1141 C 0959 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Amp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 132 1141 C NH₂; 0962 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Chy-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 133 1143 C 0964 Occ-pro-Nmf-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 134 1167 C 0966 Occ-Sni-Nmf-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 135 1181 C 0967_01 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Apr-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 136 1142 B 0974 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Eay-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 137 1204 C 0975 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Fpr-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 138 1145 C 0978 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Dtp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 139 1174 C 0979 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Eaz-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 140 1146 C 0980 Occ-Az3-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 141 1139 C 0985 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Tbg- JAL- 142 1127 C NH₂; 0989 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Ser-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 143 1099 C 0992 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Hse-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 144 1113 C 0993 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Ile-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 145 1127 C 0995 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Nva-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 146 1113 C 0996 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Hle-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 147 1141 C 0998 Occ-ala-Thi-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 148 1133 C 1000 Occ-ala-Pcf-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 149 1161 C 1002 Occ-ala-Thk-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 150 1133 C 1003 Occ-ala-Mtf-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 151 1195 C 1005 Occ-ala-Mmf-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 152 1141 C 1006 Occ-ala-Phe-ser-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 153 1157 B 1010 Occ-ala-Phe-thr-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 154 1171 B 1011 Occ-ala-Phe-val-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 155 1169 C 1012 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 156 1183 B 1013 Occ-ala-Phe-nle-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 157 1183 B 1014 Occ-Sni-Phe-Gly-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 158 1197 B NH₂; 1015 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 159 1157 B NH₂; 1016 Occ-ala-Phe-asn-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 160 1184 B 1017 Occ-ala-Phe-met-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 161 1201 B 1018 Occ-ala-Phe-abu-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 162 1155 B 1019 Occ-ala-Phe-dap-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 163 1156 B 1020 Occ-Sni-Phe-nle-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 164 1223 B 1021 Occ-Sni-Nmf-nle-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 165 1237 B 1022 Occ-Sni-Phe-nle-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 166 1239 A 1024 Occ-ala-Phe-nle-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 167 1199 B 1025 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 168 1199 B 1026 Occ-ala-Phe-nva-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 169 1185 B 1027 Occ-ala-Phe-phe-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 170 1029 B 1028 Occ-ala-Phe-ctb-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 171 1244 B 1029 Occ-ala-Phe-lys-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 172 1198 B 1030 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 173 1226 B 1031 Occ-ala-Phe-his-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 174 1207 B 1032 Ac-Hgl-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg- JAL- 175 1255 B Ile-NH2; 1033 Ac-hgl-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 176 1255 B NH₂; 1034 Occ-pip-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 177 1167 C 1035 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-cDR-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 178 1153 C 1037 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Bhp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 179 1234 C 1038 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Pro-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 180 1196 A 1039 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Pro-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 181 1236 A 1040 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 182 1253 A 1041 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 183 1213 A 1042 Occ-ala-Pcf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 184 1247 A 1043 Occ-ala-Phe-nle-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 185 1213 A 1044 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Npl-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 186 1169 C 1045 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 187 1242 A 1047 Occ-ala-Phe-asp-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 188 1201 C 1048 Occ-ala-Phe-glu-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 189 1215 C 1049 Occ-ala-Pcf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 190 1233 A 1050 Occ-ala-Pmf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 191 1213 B 1051 Occ-ala-Nmf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 192 1213 A 1052 Occ-pro-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 193 1225 A 1053 Occ-pip-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 194 1239 A 1054 Occ-ala-Phe-lys-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 195 1228 A 1060 Occ-ala-Phe-orn-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 196 1214 A 1061 Occ-ala-Phe-lys-Leu-Pro-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 197 1212 B 1065 Occ-ala-Phe-lys-Leu-Pro-Nml-Ala-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 198 1168 C 1068 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Pro-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 199 1240 B 1075 Occ-ala-Nmf-arg-Leu-Pro-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 200 1254 B 1076 Occ-pip-Nmf-arg-Leu-Pro-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 201 1294 A 1077 Occ-pip-Phe-arg-Leu-Pro-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 202 1280 A 1078 Occ-ala-Nmf-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 203 1270 A NH₂; 1085 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 204 1256 A 1086 Occ-pip-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 205 1296 A 1087 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Tfp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 206 1244 B 1114 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Tfp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 207 1145 B 1115 Occ-ala-Pbf-arg-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 208 1321 A 1116 Occ-ala-Phe-dab-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 209 1169 B 1120 Occ-ala-Phe-nar-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 210 1212 B 1121 Occ-ala-Phe-gdp-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 211 1198 B 1122 Oct-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 212 1227 B 1156 _02 Oct-pip-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 213 1267 C 1157_02 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-(KM-116-167)-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 214 1226 C NH₂; 1159 832-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 215 1241 B 1214 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Ile-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 216 1242 B 1224 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Npg-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 217 1256 A 1225 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Tbg-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 218 1242 C 1226 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Ebe-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 219 1246 B 1227 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Lys-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 220 1271 B 1228 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Nmk-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 221 1285 B NH₂; 1229 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Nma-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 222 1228 C NH₂; 1230 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Sar-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 223 1214 B 1231 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Nva-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 224 1242 B 1232 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Ebe-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 225 1260 B 1233 6014-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 226 1239 B 1237 6015-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 227 1239 B 1238 6054-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 228 1241 B 1239 6056-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 229 1239 B 1240 6057-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 230 1259 B 1241 6058-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 231 1259 B 1242 6059-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 232 1274 B 1243 832-Nmf-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 233 1255 C NH₂; 1244 832-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 234 1196 B 1245 832-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 235 1225 C 1246 Oct-Sni-FrL-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 236 1268 B 1248 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Tap-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 237 1142 A 1249 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Tap-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 238 1241 A 1250 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 239 1198 A 1251 Occ-ala-Phe-ser-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 240 1187 A 1252 Occ-Sni-Phe-ser-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 241 1227 B 1253 Occ-Sni-Phe-lys-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 242 1268 A 1254 Occ-Sni-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 243 1296 A 1255 Occ-Sni-Mpa-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 244 1254 C NH₂; 1256 Occ-Sni-Ppa-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 245 1254 C 1257 (6071-OH)-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 246 1230 C NH₂; 1259 (6072-OH)-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 247 1258 B NH₂; 1260 5587-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 248 1214 C 1261 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Tap(2Me)-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 249 1170 B NH₂; 1262 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Tap(2Me)-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 250 1269 B NH₂; 1263 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap(2Me)-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 251 1226 B NH₂; 1264 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 252 1254 A NH_(2;) 1265 Occ-Sni-Opa-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 253 1254 B NH₂; 1266 Occ-ala-Nmf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 254 1227 A NH₂; 1267 Occ-ala-Nmf-lys-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 255 1242 B NH₂; 1268 Occ-ala-Nmf-orn-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 256 1228 B NH₂; 1269 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Gup-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 257 1184 B 1270 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Gup-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 258 1283 B 1271 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Gup-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 259 1240 B 1272 Oct-Sar-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 260 1242 B 1273 Oct-aze-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 261 1254 B 1274 Oct-Az3-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 262 1254 B NH₂; 1275 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Eal-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 263 1198 B 1281 _01 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Eal-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 264 1144 C 1282 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-(SH-158)-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 265 1227 A NH₂; 1283 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-(SH-158)-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 266 1271 A NH₂; 1284 Occ-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 267 1254 A Ile-NH₂; 1287 Occ-ala-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 268 1242 A Ile-NH₂; 1288 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 269 1282 A Ile-NH₂; 1289 (AR-201-48)-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 270 1242 C NH₂; 1291 (AR-201-49)-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 271 1257 B NH₂; 1292 (AR-201-48)-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 272 1199 C NH₂; 1293 (AR-201-49)-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 273 1214 A NH₂; 1294 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 274 1252 A 1295 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 275 1212 A 1296 Oct-Sni-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 276 1282 A 1297 6182-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 277 1280 B NH₂; 1298 Oct-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 278 1239 A 1302 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Tbg- JAL- 279 1256 A NH₂; 1305 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Eca- JAL- 280 1254 B NH₂; 1306 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Dap(Me2)-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 281 1242 B NH₂; 1314 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Dap(Me2)-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 282 1257 C Ile-NH₂; 1315 (AR-201-54)-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 283 1277 B NH₂; 1316 Occ-Sni-Phe-arg-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 284 1295 A 1317 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 285 1253 A 1318 Occ-Sni-Phe-nle-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 286 1252 B 1319 Occ-Sni-Phe-Gly-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 287 1196 A NH₂; 1320 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap(Ac)-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 288 1294 B NH₂; 1321 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap(G)-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- NH2; 1322 289 1309 A Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap(Bal)-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 290 1323 A NH₂; 1323 6059(O)-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 291 1291 B NH₂; 1324 Occ-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 292 1253 A Ile-NH₂; 1325 Oct-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 293 1238 A 1326 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Orn-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 294 1214 B 1327 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Orn-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 295 1171 B 1328 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Glu-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 296 1270 C 1329 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Glu-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 297 1227 B 1330 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 298 1240 B 1331 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 299 1197 A 1332 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 300 1197 B 1332_02 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Thr-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 301 1242 B 1333 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Thr-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 302 1199 B 1334 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Eca- JAL- 303 1211 B NH₂; 1335 Occ-ala-Phe-Fhy-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 304 1240 A NH₂; 1336 Occ-ala-Phe-Egg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 305 1254 B NH₂; 1337 Occ-ala-Phe-Apc-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 306 1226 A NH₂; 1338 (AR-201-58)-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 307 1254 C NH₂; 1339 (AR-201-59)-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 308 1267 C NH₂; 1340 (AR-201-62)-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 309 1253 B NH₂; 1341 (AR-201-69)-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 310 1317 B NH₂; 1342 Sbt-Sni-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 311 1309 A 1343 Nbt-Sni-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 312 1309 B 1344 Sbt-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 313 1269 C 1345 Nbt-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 314 1269 C 1346 Occ-ala-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 315 1213 B Ile-NH₂; 1347 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap(Et2)-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 316 1308 B NH₂; 1348 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap(Et)-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 317 1280 A NH₂; 1349 Occ-ala-Phe-Apc-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 318 1265 A NH₂; 1350 Occ-Sni-Phe-Apc-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 319 1265 A NH₂; 1351 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Tbg- JAL- 320 1213 A NH₂; 1352 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Egz- JAL- 321 1225 A NH₂; 1358 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Egz- JAL- 322 1268 B NH2; 1359 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Nle-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 323 1170 C 1360 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Nle-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 324 1213 C 1361 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Ile-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 325 1254 C 1362 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Ile-Arg-Ile-NH_(2;) JAL- 326 1211 B 1363 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Oic-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 327 1280 B 1364 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Pip-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 328 1240 C 1365 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Pip-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 329 1197 B 1366 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Dap(Me2)-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 330 1200 A NH₂; 1367 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Dap(Me2)-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 331 1214 B Ile-NH₂; 1368 Oct-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 332 1239 A Ile-NH₂; 1369 Occ-Sni-Phe-dap(6263)2-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 333 1311 B Ile-NH₂; 1370 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap(Ae)-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 334 1295 A NH₂; 1371 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap(Ap)-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 335 1309 A NH₂; 1372 (AR-201-58)-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp -Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 336 1211 B NH₂; 1373 (AR-201-62)-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp -Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 337 1210 B NH₂; 1374 (AR-201-69)-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp -Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 338 1274 B NH₂; 1375 (AR-201-72)-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp -Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 339 1227 C NH₂; 1376 (AR-201-72)-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 340 1270 C NH₂; 1377 (AR-201-73)-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp -Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 341 1216 B NH₂; 1378 (AR-201-73)-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 342 1259 B NH₂; 1379 (AR-201-68)-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp -Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-JAL- 343 1274 A NH₂; 1380 (AR-201-68)-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 344 1317 B NH₂; 1381 Sbt-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 345 1266 A 1382 Nbt-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 346 1266 B 1383 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Oic-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 347 1237 B 1386 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Pro-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 348 1226 C 1387 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Aze-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 349 1212 C 1393 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Eat-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 350 1244 C 1394 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Eaz-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 351 1244 C 1395 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Tic-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 352 1288 B 1396 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 353 1237 A 1398 Oct-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 354 1223 B 1399 Occ-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Arg- JAL- 355 1238 C Ile-NH₂; 1400 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Val-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 356 1236 A 1401 Oct-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Va1-Arg- JAL- 357 1224 B Ile-NH₂; 1402 Occ-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Tap-Nml-Val-Arg- JAL- 358 1237 A Ile-NH₂; 1403 Oct-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Val-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 359 1222 B 1404 Oct-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Tap-Nml-Val-Arg-Ile- JAL- 360 1223 A NH₂; 1405 Occ-ala-Phe-Apc(Me)-Met-glu--Leu-Hyp-Nml- JAL- 361 1240 A Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; 1406 Occ-ala-Phe-Apc(Et)-Glu-thr--Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp- JAL- 362 1254 A Arg-Ile-NH₂; 1407 Occ-ala-Phe-Apc(Ae)-Ala-glu--Leu-Hyp-Nml- JAL- 363 1269 B Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; 1408 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Aib- JAL- 364 1185 B NH₂; 1413 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Aml- JAL- 365 1227 A NH₂; 1414 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Deg- JAL- 366 1213 A NH₂; 1416 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Nmr-Ile- JAL- 367 1227 A NH₂; 1417 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 368 1254 B 1418 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Tbg-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 369 1211 C 1420 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Chg-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 370 1237 C 1421 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Cpa-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 371 1195 C 1424 Oct-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 372 1240 A Ile-NH₂; 1429 Miy-Hgl-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 373 1561 A NH₂; 1430 Miy-Gab-Hgl-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp- JAL- 374 1647 C Arg-Ile-NH₂; 1431 Ac-Miy-Gab-Hgl-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp- JAL- 375 1730 C Arg-Ile-NH₂; 1432 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 376 1198 B 1434 Occ-ala-Phe-Apc-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-Ile- JAL- 377 1167 B NH₂; 1435 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 378 1194 B 1436 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Aze-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 379 1140 B 1437 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pip-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 380 1168 B 1438 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Hyp-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 381 1170 C 1441 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Eaz-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 382 1173 B 1442 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Cpp-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 383 1167 B 1443 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Pro-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 384 1153 B 1450 Occ-ala-Phe-Apc-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-Ile- JAL- 385 1207 B NH₂; 1451 Occ-ala-Phe-Apc-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Pro-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 386 1166 A 1452 Occ-ala-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Pro-Ile- JAL- 387 1154 A NH₂; 1453 Occ-ala-Phe-Egz-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 388 1224 A 1454 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Eay-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 389 1230 C 1456 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Egz-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 390 1182 C 1457 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Apc-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 391 1183 B 1458 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Tap-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 392 1169 C 1459 Occ-ala-Phe-dap(6238)2-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 393 1380 B Ile-NH₂; 1460 Occ-ala-Phe-dap(6238)-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 394 1282 B Ile-NH₂; 1461 Occ-ala-Phe-dap(3846)2-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 395 1345 B Ile-NH₂; 1462 Occ-ala-Phe-dap(1464)-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 396 1255 A Ile-NH₂; 1463 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-558; JAL- 397 1162 B 1464 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-Ile-OH; JAL- 398 1194 C 1474 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-Ile-(NH—CH₃); JAL- 399 1207 B 1475 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Chy-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 400 1170 B 1476 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-H3p-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 401 1170 B 1477 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Dhp-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 402 1152 B 1479 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Udp-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 403 1143 B 1482 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Bhk-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 404 1199 B 1483 Occ-Sni-Nif-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 405 1298 B 1486 Occ-Sni-Pff-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 406 1271 A 1487 Occ-Sni-Pmy-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 407 1283 B NH₂; 1488 Occ-Sni-Tyr-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 408 1269 C 1489 Occ-Sni-Bmf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 409 1267 C NH₂; 1490 Occ-Sni-Eay-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 410 1279 B 1491 Occ-Sni-Paf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 411 1268 B 1492 Occ-Sni-Pcf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 412 1287 A 1493 Occ-Sni-Pmf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 413 1267 A NH₂; 1494 Occ-Sni-Eaa-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 414 1322 A 1496 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-2118; JAL- 415 1210 B 1506 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-2906; JAL- 416 1134 C 1508 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-1381; JAL- 417 1164 B 1509 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-1381; JAL- 418 1164 B 1509_02 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-1860; JAL- 419 1176 A 1510 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-1906; JAL- 420 1174 B 1511 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-Che; JAL- 421 1176 A 1512_02 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-5121; JAL- 422 1178 C 1513 Occ-Sni-Phe-Ala-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 423 1211 C NH₂; 1553 Occ-Sni-Phe-Leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 424 1253 B NH₂; 1554 Occ-Sni-Phe-Apc-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 425 1266 A NH₂; 1555 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-(BB725)-Arg-Ile- JAL- 426 1224 A NH₂; 1556 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-(BB726)-Arg-Ile- JAL- 427 1238 C NH₂; 1557 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-(BB727)-Arg-Ile- JAL- 428 1238 A NH₂; 1558 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Pro-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 429 1194 A 1559 Occ-Sni-Phe-Gly-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Pro-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 430 1138 B 1560 Occ-Sni-Phe-Apc-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Pro-Ile- JAL- 431 1207 A NH₂; 1561 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Pro-Che; JAL- 432 1176 A 1568 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Nmi- JAL- 433 1267 A NH₂; 1569 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Nmr-Ile- JAL- 434 1267 B NH₂; 1570 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Nml-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 435 1267 C NH₂; 1572 Occ-Sni-Nmf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 436 1267 A NH₂; 1573 Occ-Sni-Phe-nml-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 437 1267 C NH2; 1574 Occ-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 438 1268 C Nmi-NH₂; 1575 Occ-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Nmr- JAL- 439 1268 A Ile-NH₂; 1576 Occ-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Nmd-Arg- JAL- 440 1268 C Ile-NH₂; 1577 Occ-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Nml-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 441 1268 B Ile-NH₂; 1578 Occ-Sni-Nmf-dap(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 442 1268 A Ile-NH₂; 1579 Occ-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro- JAL- 443 1195 A Ile-NH₂; 1580 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Pro-Che; JAL- 444 1160 B 1594 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Npg-Asp-Pro-Che; JAL- 445 1177 A 1595 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Ile-Asp-Pro-Che; JAL- 446 1162 B 1596 Occ-Sni-Nmf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-Che; JAL- 447 1191 A 1597 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Nml-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-Che; JAL- 448 1190 C 1598 Occ-Sni-Eaa-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-Che; JAL- 449 1245 A 1599 Occ-Sni-Phe-Gly-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-Che; JAL- 450 1120 B 1600 Occ-Sni-Phe-Apc-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-Che; JAL- 451 1190 B 1601 Occ-Sni-Phe-Apc-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Pro-Che; JAL- 452 1190 A 1602 Occ-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Pro- JAL- 453 1177 A Che; 1603 Occ-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro- JAL- 454 1177 A Che; 1604 1319-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 455 1272 A NH₂; 1605 1320-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 456 1286 A NH₂; 1606 2553-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 457 1302 C NH₂; 1607 4734-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 458 1316 B NH₂; 1609 4703-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 459 1339 B NH₂; 1612 6988-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 460 1342 C NH₂; 1615 Ilex-(3421)-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 461 1360 B Ile-NH₂; 1616 1695-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 462 1372 C NH₂; 1617 Occ-Sni-Mcf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 463 1287 A NH₂; 1618 Occ-Sni-Pbf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 464 1332 A 1619 Occ-Sni-Thk-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 465 1259 A NH₂; 1620 Occ-Sni-Mtf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 466 1321 A 1621 Occ-Sni-Otf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 467 1321 C 1622 Occ-Sni-Phe-ctb-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 468 1299 A 1623 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Nle-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 469 1253 A 1624 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Ile-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 470 1239 A 1625 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Cpg-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 471 1251 A 1626 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Chg-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 472 1265 B 1627 Occ-Sni-NPhe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 473 1253 C NH₂; 1634 Occ-Sni-NHfe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 474 1267 C NH₂; 1635 Occ-(aFL)-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 475 1225 B 1636 Occ-(afL)-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 476 1225 B 1637 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Eaz-Che; JAL- 477 1195 A 1638 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Eal-Che; JAL- 478 1177 B 1639 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-(ES-283- JAL- 479 1163 B 049); 1646 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Glu-Pro-Che; JAL- 480 1191 B 1652 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Val-Pro-Che; JAL- 481 1160 A 1654 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Nle-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-Che; JAL- 482 1177 A 1657 779-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 483 1263 B 1659 785-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 484 1335 C 1660 1281-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 485 1259 B NH₂; 1661 3218-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 486 1293 C NH₂; 1664 6013-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 487 1285 B NH₂; 1665 5587-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 488 1281 A NH₂; 1666 1281-G-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 489 1316 C NH₂; 1668 1281-Bal-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 490 1330 C NH₂; 1669 Occ-(AFL)-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH2; JAL- 491 1225 A 1671 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Apc-Che; JAL- 492 1204 C 1672 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-NP-Che; JAL- 493 1176 C 1673 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-(BB726)-Pro-Che; JAL- 494 1200 B 1676 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pca-Che; JAL- 495 1192 A 1679 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Che; JAL- 496 1236 A 1680 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap(Ae)-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 497 1278 A Che; 1681 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Che; JAL- 498 1235 A 1682 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap(Ae)-Nml-Val-Arg-Che; JAL- 499 1262 C 1683 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Apc(Gua)- JAL- 500 1248 C Che; 1685 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Apc(Gly)- JAL- 501 1263 B Che; 1687 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-(BB394)- JAL- 502 1166 C Che; 1694 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-(BB785)- JAL- 503 1192 B Che; 1697 Occ-Sni-Hfe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 504 1267 C NH₂; 1701 Occ-ala-Nmf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 505 1227 C NH₂; 1702 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Val-Arg-Che; JAL- 506 1218 A 1729 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Arg-Che; JAL- 507 1219 A 1730 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Ala-Arg-Che; JAL- 508 1193 C 1750 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asn-Arg-Che; JAL- 509 1236 C 1751 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Ser-Arg-Che; JAL- 510 1209 A 1752 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Thr-Arg-Che; JAL- 511 1223 A 1753 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Nle-Arg-Che; JAL- 512 1235 C 1755 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Ble-Arg-Che; JAL- 513 1235 B 1756 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Thi-Arg-Che; JAL- 514 1275 C 1758 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Chg-Arg-Che; JAL- 515 1261 C 1763 (AR-314-87)-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 516 1279 A NH₂; 1765-2 (AR-314-102)-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 517 1239 A NH₂; 1774 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 518 1265 A Che; 1776 Occ-Sni-Phe-lys(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 519 1279 A Che; 1777 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Arg- JAL- 520 1249 B Che; 1778 Occ-Sni-Phe-lys(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Arg- JAL- 521 1263 A Che; 1779 Occ-Sni-Phe-lys(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 522 1296 B Ile-NH₂; 1781 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Arg- JAL- 523 1266 A Ile-NH₂; 1782 Occ-Sni-Phe-lys(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Arg-Ile- JAL- 524 1280 C NH₂; 1783 Occ-Sni-Phe-dab(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Arg- JAL- 525 1235 A Che; 1784 Occ-Sni-Phe-dab(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 526 1268 A Ile-NH₂; 1785 Occ-Sni-Phe-dab(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Arg- JAL- 527 1252 B Ile-NH₂; 1786 Occ-Nhpr-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 528 1257 B NH₂; 1798 Occ-Nbhp-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 529 1273 B NH₂; 1799 Occ-ser-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 530 1229 B 1800 Occ-hse-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 531 1243 B 1801 Gluc-Aoa-Hgl-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp- JAL- 532 1503 B Arg-Ile-NH₂; 1802 Gluc-Aoa-hgl-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp- JAL- 533 1503 A Arg-Ile-NH₂; 1803 (1913)-Hgl-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 534 1384 B Ile-NH₂; 1804 (1270)-Hgl-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 535 1396 C Ile-NH₂; 1805 (1888)-Hgl-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 536 1428 B Ile-NH₂; 1806 Occ-Hgl-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 537 1394 C NH₂; 1807 H-Adx-Hgl-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 538 1413 A Ile-NH₂; 1808 1888-hgl-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 539 1428 B NH₂; 1837 H-Adx-hgl-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 540 1413 B Ile-NH₂; 1838 Oct-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Che; JAL- 541 1221 A 1843 Oct-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Val-Pro-Che; JAL- 542 1146 B 1844 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Pro- JAL- 543 1190 B Che; 1845 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Tap-Nml-Val-Pro- JAL- 544 1189 B Che; 1846 Oct-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Pro- JAL- 545 1176 C Che; 1847 Oct-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Arg-Che; JAL- 546 1206 B 1848 Oct-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Val-Arg-Che; JAL- 547 1205 B 1849 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Tap-Nml-Val-Arg- JAL- 548 1248 A Che; 1850 Oct-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Arg- JAL- 549 1235 B Che; 1851 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Bmf-Arg-Ile- JAL- 550 1299 C NH₂; 1857 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Phg-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 551 1859 C 1858 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Cpg-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 552 1263 B 1859 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-(AR-314-145)- JAL- 553 1277 C Arg-Ile-NH₂; 1864 (AR-314-169)-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 554 1281 B Ile-NH₂; 1868-2 (AR-314-170)-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 555 1253 C Ile-NH₂; 1869-2 (AR-314-171)-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 556 1281 C Ile-NH₂; 1870-2 (AR-385-008)-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 557 1273 C NH₂; 1873 (AR-314-172)-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 558 1287 B NH₂; 1874 Occ-Sni-Phe-(AR-385-12)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp- JAL- 559 1294 A Arg-Ile-NH₂; 1877 Occ-Sni-Phe-hse-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 560 1241 B NH₂; 1878 Occ-Sni-Phe-abu(pip)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 561 1308 B NH₂; 1879 (AR-385-042)-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 562 1287 B NH₂; 1880 Occ-Sni-Phe-Fhz-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 563 1280 B NH₂; 1881 Occ-Sni-Phe-Fhy-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 564 1280 B NH₂; 1882 Occ-Sni-Phe-thr-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 565 1241 C 1883 Occ-Sni-Phe-his-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 566 1277 B 1884 Occ-Sni-Phe-metO2-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 567 1303 B NH₂; 1885 Occ-Sni-Phe-(AR-385-017)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp- JAL- 568 1310 B Arg-Ile-NH₂; 1886 Occ-Sni-Phe-opa-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 569 1288 B NH₂; 1887 Occ-Sni-Phe-mpa-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 570 1288 B NH₂; 1888 Occ-Sni-Phe-ppa-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 571 1288 B NH₂; 1889 Occ-Sni-Phe-Egg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 572 1294 A NH₂; 1890 Occ-Sni-Phe-Eao-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 573 1299 B NH₂; 1892 Occ-Sni-Phe-Aic-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 574 1299 B NH₂; 1893 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Ser-Arg- JAL- 575 1237 B Che; 1894 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Thr-Arg- JAL- 576 1251 A Che; 1895 H-Hgl-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 577 1268 B NH₂; 1896 H-hgl-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 578 1268 B NH₂; 1897 H-Lys-Hgl-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 579 1396 B Ile-NH₂; 1898 H-Lys-hgl-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 580 1396 B Ile-NH₂; 1899 H-Lys-Pro-Hgl-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp- JAL- 581 1493 A Arg-Ile-NH₂; 1900 (2857-Ac)-Hg1-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp- JAL- 582 1489 B Arg-Ile-NH₂; 1901 (1625-Ac)-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 583 1268 B Ile-NH₂; 1907 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Dim-Arg- JAL- 584 1264 B Ile-NH₂; 1910 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Pse-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 585 1305 C 1912 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Pth-Arg-Ile- JAL- 586 1348 C NH₂; 1913 Occ-Sni-Phe-Dha-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 587 1209 B NH₂; 1915_2 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Pse-Arg- JAL- 588 1316 C Che; 1916 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Pse-Arg-Che; JAL- 589 1288 C 1917 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Pth-Arg- JAL- 590 1330 B Che; 1918 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Pth-Arg-Che; JAL- 591 1302 B 1919 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Ser-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 592 1225 B 1920 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Ser-Arg-Ile- JAL- 593 1254 C NH₂; 1921 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Cya-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 594 1289 B 1922 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Cya-Arg- JAL- 595 1318 B Ile-NH₂; 1923 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Thr-Arg- JAL- 596 1268 B Ile-NH₂; 1924 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp(Asp(-))-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 597 1368 B Ile-NH₂; 1928 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp(2581)-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 598 1338 B Ile-NH₂; 1929 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-OH; JAL- 599 1254 B 1930 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 600 1283 B Ile-OH; 1931 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Thr-Arg-Ile-NH₂; JAL- 601 1239 A 1932 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap(Asp(-))-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 602 1367 B Ile-NH₂; 1935 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 603 1281 A Ile-NH₂ 1936

Preferred NPR-B agonists of the present invention are those peptides within activity group B, as presented in Table 3, above. Most preferred NPR-B agonists of the present invention are those peptides within activity group A, as presented in Table 4, below.

TABLE 4 Most preferred compounds according to the present invention and their agonistic activity in in vitro assays. SEQ ID (M + H)⁺ in Activity Structure JAL NO: MS [amu] (group) Occ-Sni-Phe-nle-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 166 1239 A 1024 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Pro-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 180 1196 A 1039 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Pro-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 181 1236 A 1040 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 182 1253 A 1041 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 183 1213 A 1042 Occ-ala-Pcf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 184 1247 A 1043 Occ-ala-Phe-nle-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 185 1213 A 1044 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 187 1242 A 1047 Occ-ala-Pcf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 190 1233 A 1050 Occ-ala-Nmf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 192 1213 A 1052 Occ-pro-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 193 1225 A 1053 Occ-pip-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 194 1239 A 1054 Occ-ala-Phe-lys-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 195 1228 A 1060 Occ-ala-Phe-orn-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 196 1214 A 1061 Occ-pip-Nmf-arg-Leu-Pro-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 201 1294 A 1077 Occ-pip-Phe-arg-Leu-Pro-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 202 1280 A 1078 Occ-ala-Nmf-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 203 1270 A 1085 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 204 1256 A 1086 Occ-pip-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 205 1296 A 1087 Occ-ala-Pbf-arg-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 208 1321 A 1116 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Npg-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 217 1256 A 1225 Occ-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Tap-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 237 1142 A 1249 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Tap-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 238 1241 A 1250 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 239 1198 A 1251 Occ-ala-Phe-ser-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 240 1187 A 1252 Occ-Sni-Phe-lys-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 242 1268 A 1254 Occ-Sni-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 243 1296 A 1255 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 252 1254 A 1265 Occ-ala-Nmf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 254 1227 A 1267 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-(SH-158)-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 265 1227 A NH₂ 1283 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-(SH-158)-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 266 1271 A NH₂ 1284 Occ-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 267 1254 A Ile-NH₂ 1287 Occ-ala-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 268 1242 A Ile-NH₂ 1288 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 269 1282 A Ile-NH₂ 1289 (AR-201-49)-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 273 1214 A NH₂ 1294 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 274 1252 A 1295 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 275 1212 A 1296 Oct-Sni-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 276 1282 A 1297 Oct-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 278 1239 A 1302 Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Tbg-NH₂ JAL- 279 1256 A 1305 Occ-Sni-Phe-arg-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 284 1295 A 1317 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 285 1253 A 1318 Occ-Sni-Phe-Gly-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 287 1196 A 1320 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap(G)-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 289 1309 A NH₂ 1322 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap(Bal)-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 290 1323 A NH₂ 1323 Occ-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 292 1253 A Ile-NH₂ 1325 Oct-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 293 1238 A 1326 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 299 1197 A 1332 Occ-ala-Phe-Fhy-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 304 1240 A 1336 Occ-ala-Phe-Apc-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 306 1226 A 1338 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap(Et)-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 317 1280 A NH₂ 1349 Occ-ala-Phe-Apc-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 318 1265 A 1350 Occ-Sni-Phe-Apc-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 319 1265 A 1351 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Tbg-NH₂ JAL- 320 1213 A 1352 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Egz-NH₂ JAL- 321 1225 A 1358 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Dap(Me2)-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 330 1200 A NH₂ 1367 Oct-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 332 1239 A Ile-NH₂ 1369 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap(Ae)-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 334 1295 A NH₂ 1371 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap(Ap)-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 335 1309 A NH₂ 1372 (AR-201-68)-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 343 1274 A NH₂ 1380 Sbt-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 345 1266 A 1382 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 353 1237 A 1398 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Val-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 356 1236 A 1401 Occ-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Tap-Nml-Val-Arg- JAL- 358 1237 A Ile-NH₂ 1403 Oct-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Tap-Nml-Val-Arg-Ile- JAL- 360 1223 A NH₂ 1405 Occ-ala-Phe-Apc(Me)-Met-glu--Leu-Hyp-Nml- JAL- 361 1240 A Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ 1406 Occ-ala-Phe-Apc(Et)-Glu-thr--Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp- JAL- 362 1254 A Arg-Ile-NH₂ 1407 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Aml-NH₂ JAL- 365 1227 A 1414 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Deg-NH₂ JAL- 366 1213 A 1416 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Nmr-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 367 1227 A 1417 Oct-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 372 1240 A Ile-NH₂ 1429 Miy-Hgl-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 373 1561 A NH₂ 1430 Occ-ala-Phe-Apc-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Pro-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 386 1166 A 1452 Occ-ala-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Pro-Ile- JAL- 387 1154 A NH₂ 1453 Occ-ala-Phe-Egz-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 388 1224 A 1454 Occ-ala-Phe-dap(1464)-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 396 1255 A Ile-NH₂ 1463 Occ-Sni-Pff-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 406 1271 A 1487 Occ-Sni-Pcf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 412 1287 A 1493 Occ-Sni-Pmf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 413 1267 A 1494 Occ-Sni-Eaa-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 414 1322 A 1496 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-1860 JAL- 419 1176 A 1510 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-Che JAL- 421 1176 A 1512_ 02 Occ-Sni-Phe-Apc-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 425 1266 A 1555 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-(BB725)-Arg-Ile- JAL- 426 1224 A NH₂ 1556 Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-(BB727)-Arg-Ile- JAL- 428 1238 A NH₂ 1558 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Pro-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 429 1194 A 1559 Occ-Sni-Phe-Apc-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Pro-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 431 1207 A 1561 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Pro-Che JAL- 432 1176 A 1568 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Nmi- JAL- 433 1267 A NH₂ 1569 Occ-Sni-Nmf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 436 1267 A 1573 Occ-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Nmr- JAL- 439 1268 A Ile-NH₂ 1576 Occ-Sni-Nmf-dap(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 442 1268 A Ile-NH₂ 1579 Occ-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro- JAL- 443 1195 A Ile-NH₂ 1580 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Npg-Asp-Pro-Che JAL- 445 1177 A 1595 Occ-Sni-Nmf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-Che JAL- 447 1191 A 1597 Occ-Sni-Eaa-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-Che JAL- 449 1245 A 1599 Occ-Sni-Phe-Apc-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Pro-Che JAL- 452 1190 A 1602 Occ-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Pro- JAL- 453 1177 A Che 1603 Occ-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro- JAL- 454 1177 A Che 1604 1319-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 455 1272 A 1605 1320-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 456 1286 A 1606 Occ-Sni-Mcf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 463 1287 A 1618 Occ-Sni-Pbf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 464 1332 A 1619 Occ-Sni-Thk-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 465 1259 A 1620 Occ-Sni-Mtf-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 466 1321 A 1621 Occ-Sni-Phe-ctb-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 468 1299 A 1623 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Nle-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 469 1253 A 1624 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Ile-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 470 1239 A 1625 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Cpg-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 471 1251 A 1626 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Eaz-Che JAL- 477 1195 A 1638 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Val-Pro-Che JAL- 481 1160 A 1654 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Nle-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-Che JAL- 482 1177 A 1657 5587-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 488 1281 A 1666 Occ-(AFL)-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 491 1225 A 1671 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pca-Che JAL- 495 1192 A 1679 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Che JAL- 496 1236 A 1680 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap(Ae)-Nml-Asp-Arg-Che JAL- 497 1278 A 1681 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Che JAL- 498 1235 A 1682 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Val-Arg-Che JAL- 506 1218 A 1729 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Arg-Che JAL- 507 1219 A 1730 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Ser-Arg-Che JAL- 510 1209 A 1752 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Thr-Arg-Che JAL- 511 1223 A 1753 (AR-314-87)-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 516 1279 A 1765- 2 (AR-314-102)-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- JAL- 517 1239 A NH₂ 1774 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 518 1265 A Che 1776 Occ-Sni-Phe-lys(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 519 1279 A Che 1777 Occ-Sni-Phe-lys(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Arg- JAL- 521 1263 A Che 1779 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Arg- JAL- 523 1266 A Ile-NH₂ 1782 Occ-Sni-Phe-dab(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Arg- JAL- 525 1235 A Che 1784 Occ-Sni-Phe-dab(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 526 1268 A Ile-NH₂ 1785 H-Adx-Hgl-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 538 1413 A Ile-NH₂ 1808 Oct-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Che JAL- 541 1221 A 1843 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Tap-Nml-Val-Arg- JAL- 548 1248 A Che 1850 Occ-Sni-Phe-(AR-385-12)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp- JAL- 559 1294 A Arg-Ile-NH₂ 1877 Occ-Sni-Phe-Egg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 572 1294 A 1890 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Thr-Arg- JAL- 576 1251 A Che 1895 H-Lys-Pro-Hgl-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp- JAL- 581 1493 A Arg-Ile-NH₂ 1900 Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Thr-Arg-Ile-NH₂ JAL- 601 1239 A 1932 Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg- JAL- 603 1281 A Ile-NH₂ 1936

B. DISEASES TO BE TREATED AND/OR PREVENTED

The present invention is also directed to methods of treating or preventing diseases in a subject that involve administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition that includes one or more NPR-B agonists as described herein, wherein the disease is one of the following. The subject may be a mammal, such as a human, a primate, a cow, a horse, a dog, a cat, a mouse, or a rat. In particular embodiments, the subject is a human.

1. Definitions

“Treatment” and “treating” refer to administration or application of a drug to a subject or performance of a procedure or modality on a subject for the purpose of obtaining a therapeutic benefit of a disease or health-related condition. The term “therapeutic benefit” used throughout this application refers to anything that promotes or enhances the well-being of the subject with respect to the medical treatment of his condition. This includes, but is not limited to, a reduction in the frequency or severity of the signs or symptoms of a disease. Therapeutic benefit also includes reducing the signs or symptoms associated with glaucoma in a subject with glaucoma. For example, a therapeutic benefit in a patient with glaucoma is obtained where there is no further progression of visual field loss in the affected eye, or a slowing of the rate of progression of visual field loss in the affected eye, or an improvement in vision.

A “disease” or “health-related condition” can be any pathological condition of a body part, an organ, or a system resulting from any cause, such as infection, trauma, genetic defect, age-related deterioration of bodily functions, and/or environmental stress. The cause may or may not be known. Examples of diseases include glaucoma, retinopathies, ocular trauma, and optic neuropathies. Thus, one of skill in the art realizes that a treatment may improve the disease condition, but may not be a complete cure for the disease.

The terms “prevention” and “preventing” are used herein according to their ordinary and plain meaning to mean “acting before” or such an act. In the context of a particular disease or health-related condition, those terms refer to administration or application of an agent, drug, or remedy to a subject or performance of a procedure or modality on a subject for the purpose of blocking or minimizing the onset of a disease or health-related condition. For example, an individual with an eye that is at risk of developing glaucoma (such as an individual with ocular hypertension) can be treated with a NPR-B agonist as set forth herein for the purpose of blocking or minimizing the onset of the signs or symptoms of glaucoma (i.e., prevention of glaucoma). In a specific embodiment, prevention pertains to lowering elevated intraocular pressure, blocking detectable optic nerve damage as a result of glaucoma in a subject, reducing the rate of vision loss in a subject, or halting loss of vision in a subject. The subject can be a subject who is known or suspected of being free of a particular disease or health-related condition at the time the relevant preventive agent is administered. The subject, for example, can be a subject with no known disease or health-related condition (i.e., a healthy subject). In some embodiments, the subject had a previous disease that has been treated in the past and is now known or suspected to be disease-free.

For those skilled in the art it is easy to understand, that different diseases are summarized under certain terms or generic terms. These summaries are no limitation and each disease can be viewed on its own and can be treated or prevented with the compounds according to the present invention.

2. Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness world-wide (Thylefors and Negrel 1994, Bull World Health Organ. 72:323-326). Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and angle closure glaucoma combined represent the second leading cause of blindness worldwide (Quigley and Broman, 2006 Br J Ophthalmol. 90:262-267). Angle-closure glaucoma is more common in the Asian population (Foster et al. 2000, Arch Ophthalmol. 118:1105-11), while open-angle glaucoma is more commonly found in black patients (Leske et al. 2007, Ophthalmic Epidemiol. 14:166-172). Glaucoma is a progressive disease in which the risk of vision loss increases with disease duration. In light of an aging population world-wide, the impact of this blinding disorder can be expected to increase in the future.

The disease state referred to as glaucoma is a family of diseases characterized by a permanent loss of visual function due to irreversible damage to the optic nerve. More specifically, glaucoma results in optic neuropathy leading to the loss of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function followed by apoptotic cell death and a progressive increase in vision loss. Morphologically or functionally distinct types of glaucoma are typically characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), which is considered to be an important risk factor of the pathological course of the disease. Disruption of normal aqueous outflow leading to elevated IOP is integral to glaucoma pathophysiology. Ocular hypertension is a condition wherein IOP is elevated but no apparent loss of visual function has occurred; such patients are considered to be at high risk for the eventual development of the visual loss associated with glaucoma. Some patients with glaucomatous field loss have relatively low IOPs. These so called normotension or low tension glaucoma patients can also benefit from agents that lower and control IOP.

Glaucoma is typically identified by changes in IOP, visual field deficits and/or fundus changes at the optic disk. Elevated IOP, found in most glaucoma patients, is a result of morphological and biochemical changes in the trabecular meshwork (TM), an aqueous humor filtering tissue located at the iris-cornea angle of the eye. As glaucoma progresses, there is a loss of TM cells and a buildup of extracellular products which inhibit the normal aqueous humor outflow resulting in IOP elevation. In addition to elevated IOP, other factors, such as genetic defects, may lead to mechanical distortion of the optic nerve head (ONH) ultimately resulting in ONH cupping and loss of RGC and their axons. The exact mechanism of this pathological process is currently unknown. It has been suggested that lowering the IOP of patients diagnosed with glaucoma by at least 20-30% will decrease the progressive worsening of the disease by 50-60% (Quigley 2005 Ophthalmology 112:1642-1643). Without proper diagnosis and treatment, glaucoma can progress to total irreversible blindness.

Initially, most open-angle glaucoma patients are managed with one or more of a wide variety of topical ocular or oral hypotensive medications that act to increase aqueous fluid outflow and/or decrease aqueous fluid production, or with surgical procedures such as laser trabeculoplasty and filtration surgery. Treatment regimens currently available for patients exhibiting elevated IOP, regardless of cause, typically include the topical application, from once daily to multiple times per day, of one or multiple eyedrops or pills containing a small molecule IOP-lowering compound. Also, pills that decrease the amount of aqueous humor created can be given between two and four times daily. Glaucoma medications typically prescribed include cholinergic agonists, adrenergic agonists, beta adrenergic blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and prostaglandin analogs. Although these classes of medications are effective in controlling IOP, each of them has certain limitations in efficacy and untoward effects. For example, beta adrenergic blockers do not lower IOP at night; many glaucoma patients do not respond to a particular drug class; and a majority of glaucoma patients require the use of a combination of drugs. In addition, many of the drugs cause local irritation of the eye, such as burning, stinging, itching, tearing, conjunctival hyperemia, foreign body sensation, blurred vision, and eye pain. Some occasionally induce systemic side effects. Hence, there is a genuine and continuous need for novel and improved glaucoma medications.

“Glaucoma” and “glaucomatous optic neuropathy” and “glaucomatous retinopathy,” as used herein, are interchangeable. Glaucoma refers to a disease characterized by the permanent loss of visual function due to irreversible damage to the retinal ganglion cells in the retina and optic nerve. The major risk factor for glaucoma and the related loss of visual function is elevated intraocular pressure. There are different types of glaucoma, including primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), angle closure glaucoma, and congenital/developmental glaucoma.

As used herein, the term “intraocular pressure” or “IOP” refers to the pressure of the content inside the eye. In a normal human eye, IOP is typically in the range of 10 to 21 mm Hg. IOP varies among individuals, for example, it may become elevated due to anatomical problems, inflammation of the eye, as a side-effect from medication or due to genetic factors. “Elevated” intraocular pressure is currently considered to be >21 mm Hg, which is also considered to be a major risk factor for the development of glaucoma.

However, some individuals with an elevated IOP may not develop glaucoma and are considered to have ocular hypertension. “Ocular hypertension” as used herein refers to a condition in which the intraocular pressure in the eye of a subject is higher than normal but the optic nerve and visual fields are within normal limits. These individuals may be susceptible to developing the loss of visual function that is typically associated with glaucoma. As used herein, the terms “susceptible,” or “susceptibility” refers to an individual or subject that is or at risk of developing optic nerve damage or retinal damage that is associated with elevated intraocular pressure.

Thus, the present invention is directed to methods of treating or preventing an ophthalmic disease in a subject that involve administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition that includes one or more NPR-B agonists as described herein, wherein the ophthalmic disease is glaucoma, elevated intraocular pressure or ocular hypertension. The subject may be a mammal, such as a human, a primate, a cow, a horse, a dog, a cat, a mouse, or a rat. In particular embodiments, the subject is a human.

In preferred aspects, the NPR-B agonists of the invention will lower intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma. The glaucoma may be any type of glaucoma, such as primary open angle glaucoma, angle closure glaucoma, normal tension glaucoma, congenital glaucoma, neovascular glaucoma, steroid-induced glaucoma, or glaucoma related to ocular trauma (e.g., ghost cell glaucoma or glaucoma related to choroidal detachment).

The present invention is also directed to methods of lowering intraocular pressure in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a composition comprising a NPR-B agonist described herein, wherein intraocular pressed is lowered. In particular embodiments, the subject is a human. For example, in specific embodiments, the human is a patient with ocular hypertension or elevated IOP.

3. CNP Deficiencies as in Diabetes

Diabetic nephropathy is a progressive kidney disease, resulting from longstanding diabetes mellitus. Experimental evidence shows that natriuretic peptides play a pathophysiological role in the glomerular abnormalities seen in diabetes mellitus. BNP overexpression prevented diabetic nephropathy in a streptozotocin-induced mouse model of diabetes (Makino et al. 2006, Diabetologia. 49:2514-2524). In another study with streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, cardiac CNP mRNA concentrations were decreased 2.6-fold (Walther et al. 2000, J Mol Endocrinol. 24:391-395). In a genetic model of diabetes, the non-obese diabetic mouse, mesangial cells derived from diabetic mice showed constitutive overexpression of NPR-C; this was associated with a reduced response of cGMP production to ANP or CNP treatment (Ardaillou et al. 1999, Kidney Int 55:1293-1302).

4. Conditions with Hyperproliferation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

The abnormal growth of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) is a common cause of many vascular diseases. A disturbance of the balance between growth inhibitors and growth promoters results in the hyperproliferation of those cells, and vasoactive substances, including natriuretic peptides, seem to play a major role in this process. Early experimental findings indicate that the guanylyl-cyclase-linked natriuretic peptide receptors mediate anti-proliferative activity of the natriuretic peptides on vascular smooth muscle cell growth (Hutchinson et al. 1997, Cardiovase Res. 35:158-167). Ex vivo experiments showed a direct inhibition of growth in rat VSMCs by CNP (Furuya et al. 1991, Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 177:927-931). Furthermore, migration of rat VSMCs could be inhibited by CNP (Ikeda et al. 1997, Arterioscler Thromb Vase Biol. 17:731-736). CNP gene transfer resulted in a reduction of the VSMC proliferation in pig femoral arteries in vivo, and the effect was even superior over CNP peptide application (Pelisek et al. 2006, J Gene Med. 8:835-844). In another report, CNP gene transfer resulted in the suppression of vascular remodelling in porcine coronary arteries in vivo (Morishige et al. 2000, J Am Coll Cardiol. 35:1040-1047), thus further strengthening the rationale of using CNP to offset the hyperproliferation of VSMCs.

5. Cardiac Pathologies, Especially Heart Failure and Hypertrophy

Considerable evidence supports a central pathophysiological role for natriuretic peptides in cardiovascular diseases, and in particular heart failure. The advantage of focusing on CNP in this indication is the unchanged reactivity of NPR-B, while NPR-A activity was shown to be reduced in this condition (Dickey et al. 2007, Endocrinology. 148:3518-3522, Nakamura et al. 1994, Circulation. 90:1210-1214). The fact that plasma CNP is elevated in heart failure patients (Del Ry et al. 2005, Eur J Heart Fail. 7:1145-1148, Del Ry et al. 2007, Peptides. 28:1068-1073) is interpreted as part of a compensatory vasodilating response in the peripheral vasculature (Del Ry et al. 2005, Eur J Heart Fail. 7:1145-1148, Wright et al. 2004, Hypertension. 43:94-100). Traditional treatment of heart failure aims at the support of cardiac function by preventing cardiomyocyte loss and hypertrophy. CNP is able to support cardiac function via a positive effect on the vitality of cardiomyocytes (Rosenkranz et al. 2003, Cardiovasc Res. 57:515-522, Tokudome et al. 2004, Endocrinology. 145:2131-2140). Also, CNP reduced cardiac fibrosis (Horio et al. 2003, Endocrinology. 144:2279-2284), the effect being stronger than that by ANP or BNP. Results from studies on dogs showed a potential inotropic effect of CNP (Beaulieu et al. 1997, Am J Physiol. 273:H1933-1940), supporting the potential of CNP to treat heart failure.

Hypertrophy of the heart is an enlargement of the organ, due to an increase in the volume of its muscular fibres. Experimental evidence suggests that CNP exhibits important autocrine and paracrine functions within the heart and the coronary circulation (D'Souza et al. 2004, Pharmacol Ther. 101:113-129). In vivo administration of CNP has been shown to improve cardiac function and attenuate cardiac remodelling after myocardial infarction in rats (Soeki et al. 2005, J Am Coll Cardiol 45:608-616). Another recent study shows that CNP is able to reduce reactive hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes after an experimental myocardial infarction in transgenic mice over-expressing CNP in cardiomyocytes (Wang et al. 2007, Eur J Heart Fail. 9:548-557).

6. Cardiovascular Pathologies, Especially Atherosclerosis, Hypertension, Endothelial Dysfunction and Thrombotic Events

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory response in the walls of arterial blood vessels. In vitro evidence suggests that CNP has an inhibitory role in vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration (Furuya et al. 1991, Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 177:927-931, Shinomiya et al. 1994, Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 205:1051-1056). Type-C natriuretic peptide inhibited neointimal thickening in injured arteries of rabbits and rats in vivo (Furuya et al. 1995, Ann N Y Acad Sci. 748:517-523, Ueno et al. 1997, Circulation. 96:2272-2279). In an experimental model of atherosclerosis in rabbits, local infusion of CNP resulted in the preservation of endothelial function and the prevention of neointimal thickening, which normally results from endothelial injury (Gaspari et al. 2000, Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 27:653-655).

Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive disease, characterized by an elevated pressure in the pulmonary arterial system. Common treatment is the use of vasodilatory substances. The ability of CNP to relax arteries, possibly via direct interaction with the VSMCs, has been show before in isolated pig coronary arteries (Marton et al. 2005, Vascul Pharmacol. 43:207-212). More specifically, CNP was able to ameliorate monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats and improved survival (Itoh et al. 2004, Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 170:1204-1211), even if treatment with CNP started 3 weeks after the onset of symptoms.

Endothelial dysfunction plays a fundamental role in the development of atherosclerosis and restenosis. In a rabbit model with features similar to those of the early stage of atherosclerosis or restenosis, chronic peri-arterial administration of ANP or CNP prevented endothelial dysfunction and development of neointima (Gaspari et al. 2000, Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 27:653-655, Barber et al. 2005, J Vasc Res. 42:101-110).

Prevention of thrombotic events is critical to the management of cardiovascular diseases. The anti-thrombotic effect of CNP is well known (Ahluwalia et al. 2004, Basic Res Cardiol. 99:83-89). Thrombus formation was significantly suppressed in the presence of CNP in antilogous rabbit jugular vein grafts (Ohno et al. 2002, Circulation. 105:1623-1626). In a model of balloon-injured rabbit carotid arteries CNP was shown to exert anti-thrombotic activity, probably via an increase in the NO production by enhancing the expression of inducible NO synthase (Qian et al. 2002, Circ Res 91:1063-1069).

7. Stimulation of Arteriogenesis

Arteriogenesis refers to the growth of collateral arterioles into functional collateral arteries, and is linked to elevated blood pressure, and elevated flow, causing shear stress against the wall of the arterioles. The stimulation of this event presents a strategy to treat arterial occlusive diseases (van Royen et al. 2001, Cardiovasc Res. 49:543-553). A beneficial effect of ANP on coronary collateral blood flow has been shown earlier (Kyriakides et al. 1998, Clin Cardiol. 21:737-742).

8. Inflammation, Especially Reduction of Inflammatory Mediators, e.g. TNF-Alpha, Other Cytokines or any Kind of Inflammatory Mediator

Several publications suggest a role of CNP in the modulation of inflammatory responses: in a model of balloon-injured rabbit carotid arteries, in vivo expression of CNP lowered the expression of the inflammatory marker ICAM-1, and reduced the infiltration of macrophages, supposedly via enhancement of NO generation (Qian et al. 2002, Circ Res 91:1063-1069). In another study, in rat aortic smooth muscle cells in vitro, CNP augmented the transcriptional activation of iNOS induced by inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 and tumour necrosis factor-α) and hence the production of NO (Marumo et al. 1995, Endocrinology. 136:2135-2142). CNP infusion in rats with an acute experimental myocarditis led to a reduction of CD68-positive inflammatory cell infiltration, and lowered myocardial and serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (Obata et al. 2007, Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 356:60-66). By selectively attenuating the expression of P-selectin, CNP suppressed leukocyte rolling induced by IL-1β or histamine in a rapid, reversible, and concentration-dependent manner in mice (Scotland et al. 2005, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 102:14452-14457). In a model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice, infusion of CNP markedly reduced bronchoalveolar lavage fluid IL-1β levels (Murakami et al. 2004, Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 287:L1172-1177).

9. Pathological Leukocyte Adhesion to Endothelium and Diapedesis into Tissue

In mouse mesenteric postcapillary venules in vivo in animals with high basal leukocyte activation (endothelial nitric oxide synthase knockout mice) or under acute inflammatory conditions (induced by IL-1β or histamine), CNP suppressed basal leukocyte rolling in a rapid, reversible, and concentration-dependent manner. CNP was also able to inhibit platelet-leukocyte interactions (Scotland et al. 2005, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 102:14452-14457). In a model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice, infusion of CNP for 14 days significantly inhibited infiltration of macrophages into the alveolar and interstitial regions (Murakami et al. 2004, Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 287:L1172-1177). CNP is also known to lower the expression of cell adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1 (Qian et al. 2002, Circ Res 91:1063-1069), and P-Selectin (Scotland et al. 2005, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 102:14452-14457), further strengthening its role in adhesion molecule modulation.

10. Kidney Disease, Especially Renal Insufficiency, Renal Failure Due to Reduced Renal Perfusion, Glomerulonephritis and Kidney Fibrosis

Local CNP production and CNP receptor expression have previously been demonstrated in glomeruli (Terada et al. 1994, Am J Physiol. 267:F215-222, Lohe et al. 1995, J Am Soc Nephrol. 6:1552-1558, Mattingly et al. 1994, Kidney Int. 46:744-747, Dean et al. 1994, Am J Physiol. 266:F491-496), in kidney cells (Zhao et al. 1994, Kidney Int. 46:717-725) and in mesangial cells (Suga et al. 1992, Hypertension. 19:762-765), suggesting a role in kidney physiology. In several conditions CNP levels in plasma or urine are altered. CNP in plasma and urine was increased in nephrotic syndrome (Cataliotti et al. 2002, Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 283:F464-472), CNP was increased in urine in cirrhosis with renal impairment (Gulberg et al. 2000, Gut. 47:852-857), renal and urine levels of CNP were increased in experimental diabetes (Shin et al. 1998, J Endocrinol. 158:35-42), and NP levels were elevated in chronic kidney disease, but decreased after hemodialysis or transplantation (Horl 2005, J Investig Med 53:366-370).

The benefit from using CNP in indications such as renal insufficiency, and renal failure, comes from its ability to relax smooth muscles in conduit arteries (Drewett et al. 1995, J Biol Chem. 270:4668-4674, Madhani et al. 2003, Br J Pharmacol. 139:1289-1296), venodilation (Chen and Burnett 1998, J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 32 Suppl 3:S22-28, Wei et al. 1993, J Clin Invest. 92:2048-2052), and dilation of both, afferent and efferent arterioles in glomeruli, as shown in the hydronephrotic rat kidney (Endlich and Steinhausen 1997, Kidney Int. 52:202-207).

Glomerulopathies like glomerulonephritis are typically associated with mesangial cell proliferation, and leukocyte infiltration (Buschhausen et al. 2001, Cardiovasc Res. 51:463-469). The inhibitory effect of CNP on leukocyte infiltration via downregulation of ICAM-1 has been shown before (Qian et al. 2002, Circ Res 91:1063-1069, Buschhausen et al. 2001, Cardiovasc Res. 51:463-469). In addition, all NPs show anti-proliferative effects on mesangial cells in vitro on rat cells (Suganami et al. 2001, J Am Soc Nephrol 12:2652-2663). In vivo, CNP infusion improved immune mediated glomerulonephritis in a rat mesangioproliferative anti-Thy 1.1 model (Canaan-Kuhl et al. 1998, Kidney Int 53:1143-1151). In yet another study CNP inhibited glomerular mesangial cell proliferation, MCP-1 secretion, and reduced collagen IV production from mesangial cells (Osawa et al. 2000, Nephron. 86:467-472).

The inhibitory effect of CNP on the proliferation of glomerular mesangial cells (Suganami et al. 2001, J Am Soc Nephrol 12:2652-2663, Canaan-Kuhl et al. 1998, Kidney Int 53:1143-1151, Osawa et al. 2000, Nephron. 86:467-472) suggests its use in the treatment of kidney fibrosis.

11. Liver Diseases, Especially Portal Vein Hypertension, Liver Cirrhosis, Liver Ascites, Liver Fibrosis and Hepatorenal Syndrome

Evidence for a local natriuretic peptide system in the human liver comes from mRNA analysis; specific transcripts for all three NPRs, namely NPR-A, NPR-B, and NPR-C, could be detected, along with mRNA for ANP and CNP, but not BNP (Vollmar et al. 1997, Gut. 40:145-150). During chronic liver diseases, hepatic stellate cells, believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension (Friedman 1993, N Engl J Med. 328:1828-1835), acquire a myofibroblastic phenotype, proliferate, and synthetize components associated with fibrosis. Activation of NPR-B by CNP in myofibroblastic hepatic stellate cells was shown to inhibit both growth and contraction (Tao et al. 1999, J Biol Chem. 274:23761-23769), suggesting that during chronic liver diseases, CNP may counteract both liver fibrogenesis and associated portal hypertension.

Liver cirrhosis is the result of a chronic liver disease characterized by replacement of liver tissue by fibrous scar tissue. The presence of CNP in the human kidney and urine (Mattingly et al. 1994, Kidney Int. 46:744-747) suggests a role for CNP in fluid and electrolyte homeostasis, and thus possibly a role in renal function disturbances in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. CNP in the urine of cirrhotic patients with impaired renal function was increased, while plasma levels were normal (Gulberg et al. 2000, Gut. 47:852-857). In cirrhotic patients, ANP infusion reduced the portal pressure and increased the hepatic blood flow, indicative of a lowering of intra-hepatic resistance to portal flow (Brenard et al. 1992, J Hepatol. 14:347-356). Administration of pharmacological doses of CNP to cirrhotic rats significantly decreased portal pressure and peripheral vascular resistance, and increased cardiac output (Komeichi et al. 1995, J Hepatol. 22:319-325).

Many disorders can cause ascites, but cirrhosis is the most common. Hence, treatment of disorders such as liver cirrhosis will eventually help in the avoidance of ascites.

According to the vasodilation theory, the hepatorenal syndrome is the result of the effect of vasoconstrictor systems acting on the renal circulation. Due to this increased activity of the vasoconstrictor systems, renal perfusion and glomerular filtration rate are markedly reduced, while tubular function is preserved. Any substance that increases renal perfusion and/or glomerular filtration rate is thus suited to be used against the hepatorenal syndrome.

12. Lung Diseases, Especially Pulmonary Hypertension, Asthma and Pulmonary Fibrosis

CNP was shown to be locally synthesized in pulmonary tissues and therefore might have action on airway patency (Suga et al. 1992, Circ Res. 71:34-39). In vitro CNP was one order of magnitude more potent than ANP in cGMP production in cultured aortic smooth muscle cells.

Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive disease, characterized by an elevated pressure in the pulmonary arterial system. Common treatment is the use of vasodilatory substances. The ability to relax arteries, probably via direct interaction with the VSMCs, has been shown before in isolated pig coronary arteries (Marton et al. 2005, Vascul Pharmacol. 43:207-212). More specifically, CNP was able to ameliorate monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats and to improve survival (Itoh et al. 2004, Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 170:1204-1211), even if treatment with CNP started 3 weeks after the onset of symptoms.

In an ovalbumin-induced asthmatic guinea pig model CNP was able to significantly inhibit the bronchoconstriction and microvascular leakage in a dose-dependent manner (Ohbayashi et al. 1998, Eur J Pharmacol. 346:55-64). In vivo in asthmatics Fluge et al. could demonstrate dose-dependent bronchodilating properties of intravenous natriuretic peptide (Fluge et al. 1995, Regul Pept. 59:357-370).

In a model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice, infusion of CNP markedly attenuated the fibrosis, as indicated by significant decreases in Ashcroft score and lung hydroxyproline content (Murakami et al. 2004, Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 287:L1172-1177). Immunohistochemistry on lung sections revealed a significantly reduced infiltration of macrophages into the alveolar and interstitial regions. The markedly decreased number of Ki-67-positive cells in fibrotic lesions of the lung further supports the notion of CNP's anti-proliferative effects on pulmonary fibrosis.

13. Male and Female Fertility Problems, Especially Erectile Dysfunction, Stimulation of Male Fertility and Stimulation of Female Fertility

Penile erection depends on relaxation of the smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosum, one of the sponge-like regions of erectile tissue. The presence of NPR-B in rat and rabbit cavernosal membrane was shown by Kim et al. (Kim et al. 1998, J Urol. 159:1741-1746). They also showed that CNP could trigger the production of cGMP in this tissue, and that CNP was much more potent than BNP and ANP in doing so. NPR-B was also shown to be located in the human corpus cavernosum penis; in organ bath studies with corpus cavernosum muscle strips CNP at concentrations of 0.1 nM to 1 μM led to smooth muscle relaxation from 5% to 40% (Kuthe et al. 2003, J Urol. 169:1918-1922); further support for a role of CNP in erectile dysfunction comes from a recent study, showing that CNP levels are associated with the presence, severity, and duration of erectile dysfunction (Vlachopoulos et al. 2008, Eur Urol. in press).

The rationale for using CNP to stimulate male fertility is based on its potential function in testicular blood supply, the modulation of germ cell development and spermatozoan motility, and its role in penile erection (as described above). CNP has been found in seminal plasma of several species (Hosang and Scheit 1994, DNA Cell Biol. 13:409-417, Chrisman et al. 1993, J Biol Chem. 268:3698-3703); human Leydig cells, located adjacent to the seminiferous tubules in the testicle, contain both, CNP and the NPR-B receptor (Middendorff et al. 1996, J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 81:4324-4328). CNP was able to increase testosterone levels in vitro in purified mouse Leydig cells (Khurana and Pandey 1993, Endocrinology. 133:2141-2149), as well as in vivo in the spermatic vein in men (Foresta et al. 1991, J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 72:392-395). Because testosterone activates the initiation, processing and maintenance of spermatogenesis, CNP has thus an immediate influence on spermatogenesis. Local injection of natriuretic peptides in vivo in rats caused a dose-related increase in testicular blood flow (Collin et al. 1997, Int J Androl. 20:55-60).

A function of CNP in fertilization, pregnancy and embryonic development was first proposed after the detection of CNP in porcine seminal plasma (Chrisman et al. 1993, J Biol Chem. 268:3698-3703). Further studies showed expression of NPR-A and -B receptors in human placenta (Itoh et al. 1994, Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 203:602-607), and their modulation in rat ovary and uterus by the estrous cycle (Huang et al. 1996, Am J Physiol. 271:H1565-1575, Dos Reis et al. 1995, Endocrinology. 136:4247-4253, Noubani et al. 2000, Endocrinology. 141:551-559). In mice, uterine CNP mRNA concentrations increased during pregnancy, whereas in the ovaries these levels decreased compared to non-pregnant controls (Stepan et al. 2001, Regul Pept. 102:9-13). In human placenta and myometrium CNP is expressed with no dependency on gestational age in the third trimester. Pregnancies with intra-uterine growth retardation showed an opposite regulation of CNP in placenta and myometrium, indicating an organ-specific function of the peptide in human reproductive tissue (Stepan et al. 2002, Fetal Diagn Ther. 17:37-41). This could be substantiated by studying NPR-B knock-out mice; female mice were infertile due to the failure of the female reproductive tract to develop (Tamura et al. 2004, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 101:17300-17305).

14. Pre-Eclampsia and/or Preterm Labor

Pre-eclampsia, a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, is usually associated with raised blood pressure, and affects about 2-8% of pregnancies. Inadequate blood supply to the placenta leads to endothelial dysfunction, eventually resulting in damage to the maternal endothelium and kidney and liver. In severe pre-eclampsia BNP levels are elevated, which might reflect ventricular stress and/or subclinical cardiac dysfunction associated with the condition (Resnik et al. 2005, Am J Obstet Gynecol. 193:450-454). Pregnancies with intra-uterine growth retardation or pre-eclampsia showed an opposite regulation of CNP, with a decrease in the placenta and an increase in the myometrium compared with normal pregnancies (Stepan et al. 2002, Fetal Diagn Ther. 17:37-41), while maternal CNP plasma levels remained constant; this could indicate a compensatory or causative organ-specific function of the peptide in human reproductive tissue under these pathophysiological conditions, suggesting that application of CNP may have benefits.

15. Skeletal Growth Disturbances, Especially Decreased Body Height (Dwarfism)

Dwarfism can be caused by over 200 separate medical conditions. C-type natriuretic peptide, acting through its receptor, NPR-B, plays a critical role in longitudinal bone growth (Olney 2006, Growth Horm IGF Res. 16 Suppl A:S6-14), as it stimulates endochondrial ossification (Tamura et al. 2004, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 101:17300-17305, Miyazawa et al. 2002, Endocrinology. 143:3604-3610). A spontaneous autosomal recessive point mutation in the CNP gene, called long bone abnormality (lbab), causes severe dwarfism in mice (Yoder et al. 2008, Peptides. 29:1575-1581, Tsuji et al. 2008, Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 376:186-190). Complete absence of CNP in mice resulted in dwarfism and early death (Chusho et al. 2001, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 98:4016-4021).

16. Defects of FGF-R (Fibroblast Derived Growth Factor Receptor) Signalling, Especially Overactivity of FGF-R, or Deficiency of CNP or Osteocrin, or Reduced Level of CNP or Osteocrin in the Growth Plates of Long Bones

In vitro and ex vivo studies showed that CNP acts within the growth plate. CNP, most likely synthetised by proliferating chondrocytes (Chusho et al. 2001, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 98:4016-4021), acts locally to stimulate further proliferation. As opposing element, the FGF/FGFR-3 pathway is known to negatively regulate endochondral ossification via activation of the Erk MAP kinase pathway, thus inhibiting chondrocyte proliferation and cartilage matrix production (Krejci et al. 2005, J Cell Sci. 118:5089-5100). The targeted overexpression of CNP in chondrocytes offset dwarfism in a mouse model of achondroplasia with activated fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 in the cartilage, suggesting a direct interaction of their signaling pathways (Yasoda et al. 2004, Nat Med. 10:80-86). Moreover, Ozasa et al. found that CNP was able to antagonize the activation of the MAPK cascade by FGFs, making the CNP/NPR-B pathway attractive as a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of achondroplasia (Ozasa et al. 2005, Bone. 36:1056-1064). CNP also partially antagonized the FGF2-induced expression, release and activation of several matrix-remodeling molecules including several matrix metalloproteinases. Independent of FGF signaling, CNP stimulated the upregulation of matrix production (Krejci et al. 2005, J Cell Sci. 118:5089-5100).

Osteocrin is a specific ligand of the natriuretic peptide clearance receptor NPR-C that modulates bone growth (Thomas et al. 2003, J Biol Chem. 278:50563-50571). By blocking the clearance function of NPR-C, it causes the local elevation of CNP levels, resulting in the proliferation of chondrocytes (Moffatt et al. 2007, J Biol Chem. 282:36454-36462).

In summary, there is a strong rationale to use CNP in order to compensate for overactive FGF receptors, and for deficiencies or reduced levels of CNP or osteocrin.

17. Arthritis, Especially Degenerative Diseases of Cartilage Tissue, Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Degeneration and Arthritis in Response to Traumatic Cartilage Injury

The rationale for the use of natriuretic peptides for the treatment and/or prevention of arthritic diseases comes from the observation that CNP is involved in the skeletal growth, especially in the generation of cartilage extracellular matrix (Chusho et al. 2001, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 98:4016-4021, Yasoda et al. 2004, Nat Med. 10:80-86), which is able to stabilize damaged cartilage.

CNP depletion was shown to result in impaired bone growth, like that observed in achondroplastic bones, with a similar histological picture of decreased width in both the proliferative and hypertrophic chondrocyte layers of the growth plate (Chusho et al. 2001, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 98:4016-4021). The targeted overexpression of CNP in chondrocytes counteracted dwarfism in a mouse model of achondroplasia with activated fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 in the cartilage. CNP corrected the decreased extracellular matrix synthesis in the growth plate through inhibition of the MAPK pathway of FGF signaling, resulting in the stimulation of glucosaminoglycans and cartilage collagen (type II) synthesis (Yasoda et al. 2004, Nat Med. 10:80-86).

In rat chondrosarcoma chondrocytes, after FGF2-mediated growth arrest, CNP mediated the inhibition of MMP induction, and stimulated extracellular matrix synthesis (Krejci et al. 2005, J Cell Sci. 118:5089-5100, Ozasa et al. 2005, Bone. 36:1056-1064), both effects resulting in a net increase in cartilage extracellular matrix (Krejci et al. 2005, J Cell Sci. 118:5089-5100).

18. Tissue Engineering and Cartilage Regeneration, Especially for the Ex Vivo Expansion of Cartilage Cells to a Cell Number Sufficient to Transplant Cells Back into a Patient

CNP has stimulatory activity on glucosaminoglycan and cartilage collagen (type II) synthesis in chondrocytes (Krejci et al. 2005, J Cell Sci. 118:5089-5100, Yasoda et al. 2004, Nat Med. 10:80-86), a feature that is beneficial for in vivo regeneration of cartilage. To produce ex vivo tissue from the limited number of cells that can be extracted from an individual for therapeutic purposes, it is also necessary to have a stimulation of cell proliferation. In a key publication, Waldman et al. reported, that in high-density 3D cultures low doses of CNP (10 to 100 pM) elicited chondrocyte proliferation of up to 43% increase in cellularity at the highest dose. Higher doses of CNP (10 nM) predominantly stimulated matrix deposition without affecting tissue cellularity (Waldman et al. 2008, Tissue Eng Part A. 14:441-448). CNP is thus suitable as a modulator of both chondrocyte proliferation and ECM deposition during in vitro cartilage growth.

19. Tissue Engineering and Bone Regeneration, Especially for the Acceleration of Bone Healing or for the Improvement of Regenerating Bone Tissue

The role of the NPR-B/CNP system as an important regulator of bone growth has been established by several publications: NPR-B knock-out mice displayed reduced bone growth (Tamura et al. 2004, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 101:17300-17305, Pfeifer et al. 1996, Science. 274:2082-2086); mice with a deletion of the CNP gene also showed reduced bone growth, and this phenotype could be rescued by the overexpression of CNP in chondrocytes (Chusho et al. 2001, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 98:4016-4021); overexpression of BNP in mice resulted in skeletal overgrowth (Suda et al. 1998, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 95:2337-2342). More specifically, CNP was able to promote chondrocyte proliferation and matrix formation (Krejci et al. 2005, J Cell Sci. 118:5089-5100, Ozasa et al. 2005, Bone. 36:1056-1064). Using an organ culture of fetal mouse tibias, an in vitro model of endochondral ossification, longitudinal bone growth was stimulated by CNP (Yasoda et al. 1998, J Biol Chem. 273:11695-11700).

In summary, the experimental evidence strongly supports the use of CNP in bone regenerating applications.

20. Modulation of Neuronal Activity, Especially for Replacement of CNP in its “Central Nervous Function”

The extensive distribution of the NPR-C receptor in the brainstem suggests an involvement of NPR-C in the neuromodulatory effect of natriuretic peptides (Abdelalim et al. 2008, Neuroscience. 155:192-202), which were shown to evoke a variety of peripheral effects when applied to the brain (Puurunen and Ruskoaho 1987, Eur J Pharmacol. 141:493-495, Bianciotti et al. 2001, Regul Pept. 102:127-133). Intra-cerebroventricular administration of atrial natriuretic peptide in anaesthetized rats, for example, resulted in the stimulation of gastric acid secretion, that was totally abolished by vagotomy, suggesting vagus nerve involvement (Puurunen and Ruskoaho 1987, Eur J Pharmacol. 141:493-495). In two studies by Sabbatini et al., the cerebroventricular administration of CNP in rats dose-dependently enhanced the exocrine pancreatic fluid output through the activation of the NPR-C receptor and the vago-vagal reflex (Sabbatini et al. 2005, Eur J Pharmacol. 524:67-74, Sabbatini et al. 2007, Eur J Pharmacol. 577:192-202), thus mimicking the effect of endogenous CNP.

21. Cancer, Through Inhibition of Proliferation of Tumor Cells, Especially Glioma Cells, Neuroblastoma Cells, Adenocarcinoma Cells, Adenocarcinoma Cells in Breast Pancreas and Prostate, Melanoma Cells and Renal Carcinoma Cells

Several publications have shown the presence of natriuretic peptide receptors on tumor cells, suggesting a potential to affect the proliferation of those cells via application of CNP, as has been shown in a range of other cell types.

Early in vitro data from cultered rat glioma cells demonstrated the presence of receptors on those cells, that showed strongest activation by CNP, i.e. cGMP production (Eguchi et al. 1992, Eur J Pharmacol. 225:79-82). In another cell line, a AtT-20 pituitary tumor cell line, the only natriuretic receptor present on the cell surface was the NPR-B receptor. cGMP production in these AtT-20 cells was stimulated up to 200-fold by CNP (Gilkes et al. 1994, Biochem J. 299 (Pt 2):481-487).

Western immunoblotting identified NPR-A and NPR-C receptors in human colon adenocarcinoma cells. Application of 1 mM ANP to these cells resulted in a decrease of up to 97% in cell number within 24 h, suggesting an anti-proliferative activity (Gower et al. 2005, Int J Gastrointest Cancer. 36:77-87).

CNP caused a 39% decrease in the number of small-cell lung cancer cells at 100 μM. The mechanism of growth inhibition supposedly is based on the inhibition of DNA synthesis, mediated in part by cGMP (Vesely et al. 2005, Eur J Clin Invest. 35:388-398).

In yet another cell type, in human renal carcinoma cells, CNP also decreased the cell number, at a concentration of 100 μM by 10%. This effect was sustained without any proliferation of the cells occurring for three days after treatment with CNP. All three types of natriuretic peptide receptors, NPR-A, NPR-B, and NPR-C, were identified on renal cancer cells (Vesely et al. 2006, Eur J Clin Invest. 36:810-819).

22. Fibrosis, Especially Pulmonary Fibrosis, Renal Fibrosis, Cardiac Fibrosis, Hepatic Fibrosis or Systemic Fibrosis/Sclerosis

Several studies, investigating fibrotic events in different organ systems, have shown that the application of natriuretic peptides, in particular of CNP, has a beneficial effect on disease progression. A more general effect of CNP-mediated cGMP generation in fibroblasts is the block of the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade (Chrisman and Garbers 1999, J Biol Chem. 274:4293-4299), which could be exploited to treat any kind of fibrosis, in particular the multiorgan systemic fibrosis/sclerosis; treatment of single organ fibrosis with CNP is supported by the following data:

In a model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice, infusion of CNP markedly reduced bronchoalveolar lavage fluid levels of inflammatory IL-1β, inhibited infiltration of macrophages into the alveolar and interstitial regions, and markedly attenuated the fibrosis, as indicated by significant decreases in Ashcroft score and lung hydroxyproline content (Murakami et al. 2004, Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 287:L1172-1177).

With regard to kidney fibrosis, it was described that CNP had an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of glomerular mesangial cells (Suganami et al. 2001, J Am Soc Nephrol 12:2652-2663, Canaan-Kuhl et al. 1998, Kidney Int 53:1143-1151, Osawa et al. 2000, Nephron. 86:467-472). In particular, CNP inhibited also MCP-1 secretion, and reduced collagen IV production from glomerular mesangial cells (Osawa et al. 2000, Nephron. 86:467-472).

Cardiac fibrosis, characterized by the proliferation of interstitial fibroblasts and the biosynthesis of extracellular matrix components in the ventricles of the heart, is a consequence of remodeling processes. Soeki et al. showed that the application of CNP improved cardiac function and protected against cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarct in rats (Soeki et al. 2005, J Am Coll Cardiol 45:608-616). In vitro, in cardiac fibroblasts, CNP had a suppressive effect on fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix production, the effect being stronger than by ANP or BNP (Horio et al. 2003, Endocrinology. 144:2279-2284).

During chronic liver diseases, hepatic stellate cells, believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension (Friedman 1993, N Engl J Med. 328:1828-1835), acquired a myofibroblastic phenotype, proliferated, and synthesized components associated with fibrosis. The activation of NPR-B by CNP in myofibroblastic hepatic stellate cells was shown to inhibit both growth and contraction (Tao et al. 1999, J Biol Chem. 274:23761-23769), suggesting that during chronic liver diseases, CNP may counteract fibrogenesis.

C. PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS

Other embodiments of the present invention are directed to pharmaceutical compositions, comprising at least one novel NPR-B agonist described herein, directed to the treatment or prevention of a disease in a subject that is associated with elevated IOP, glaucoma, ocular hypertension, and/or retinal ganglion cell loss.

1. Effective Amount

As used herein, the term “effective amount,” or “therapeutically effective amount,” refers to an amount of the agent that will activate the function and/or activity of a type B natriuretic peptide receptor. The novel NPR-B agonists described herein lower intraocular pressure or treat ocular hypertension in a patient having elevated IOP or ocular hypertension. Thus, an effective amount is an amount sufficient to detectably and repeatedly ameliorate, reduce, minimize or limit the extent of any disease associated with elevated intraocular pressure or ocular hypertension, such as any of those diseases discussed above.

Treatment and/or prevention methods will involve treating an individual with an effective amount of a composition containing a therapeutically effective amount of at least one NPR-B agonist of the invention. A therapeutically effective amount is described, generally, as that amount that is known to be or suspected to be of benefit in the reduction of the signs or symptoms of a disease. In some embodiments of the present invention, an effective amount is generally an amount that is known or suspected to be of benefit in reducing the signs or symptoms of glaucoma and associated optic nerve or retinal damage in a subject. It is envisioned that the treatment with the NPR-B agonists hereof will stabilize or improve visual function (as measured by visual acuity, visual field, or other method known to those of ordinary skill in the art).

In some embodiments, an effective amount of a NPR-B agonist that may be administered to a subject includes a dose from about 1 microgram/kg/body weight to about 500 microgram/kg/body weight or more per administration, and any range derivable therein.

2. Formulations

Regarding the methods set forth herein, a NPR-B agonist can be formulated in any manner known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In the compositions set forth herein, the concentration of a NPR-B agonist can be any concentration known or suspected by those of ordinary skill in the art to be of benefit in the treatment and/or prevention of ophthalmic disease associated with elevated intraocular pressure or ocular hypertension.

The actual dosage amount of a composition of the present invention administered to a subject can be determined by physical and physiological factors such as body weight, severity of condition, the type of disease being treated, previous or concurrent therapeutic interventions, idiopathy of the patient and on the route of administration. The practitioner responsible for administration will, in any event, determine the concentration of active ingredient(s) in a composition and appropriate dose(s) for the individual subject.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions may comprise, for example, at least about 0.03%, by weight or volume, of an active ingredient. In other embodiments, the active ingredient may comprise between about 0.001% to about 75% of the weight or volume of the unit, or between about 0.01% to about 60%, and any range derivable therein. In more particular embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition may comprise between about 0.03% to about 2.0% by weight or volume, of an active ingredient. In more particular embodiments, the composition comprises between about 0.05% to about 1.5% by weight or volume of an active ingredient. In further embodiments, the composition comprises between about 0.05% to about 1.2% by weight or volume of an active ingredient.

A dose may be any amount of pharmaceutical composition that is known or suspected to be of therapeutic benefit. For example, a dose may be about 1 microgram/kg/body weight to about 500 microgram/kg/body weight or more per administration, and any range derivable therein. A dose may be repeated as necessary as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art to achieve a desired therapeutic effect. For example, a dose may be repeated once, twice, three times, and so forth. In some embodiments, a dose is administered twice a day, three times a day, four times a day, or more often. In further embodiments, a dose is administered every other day, twice a week, once a month, or at a longer interval.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the compositions set forth herein can include more than one NPR-B agonist. One of ordinary skill in the art would be familiar with preparing and administering pharmaceutical compositions that include more than one therapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the composition includes one or more additional therapeutic agents that are not NPR-B agonists.

In addition to the NPR-B agonists, the compositions of the present invention optionally comprise one or more excipients. Excipients commonly used in pharmaceutical compositions include, but are not limited to, carriers, tonicity agents, preservatives, chelating agents, buffering agents, surfactants and antioxidants.

A person of ordinary skill will recognize that the compositions of the present invention can include any number of combinations of ingredients (e.g., active agent, polymers, excipients, etc.). It is also contemplated that that the concentrations of these ingredients can vary. In non-limiting aspects, the percentage of each ingredient in the composition can be calculated by weight or volume of the total composition. A person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the concentrations can vary depending on the addition, substitution, and/or subtraction of ingredients in a given composition.

In some embodiments of the invention, a specific amount of a NPR-B agonist is administered via the compositions described herein.

The phrase “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” is art-recognized, and refers to, for example, pharmaceutically acceptable materials, compositions or vehicles, such as a liquid or solid filler, diluent, excipient, solvent or encapsulating material, involved in carrying or transporting any supplement or composition, or component thereof, from one organ, or portion of the body, to another organ, or portion of the body. Each carrier must be “acceptable” in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the supplement and not injurious to the patient.

Any of a variety of carriers may be used in the formulations of the present invention including water, mixtures of water and water-miscible solvents, such as C1-7-alkanols, vegetable oils or mineral oils comprising from 0.5 to 5% non-toxic water-soluble polymers, natural products, such as gelatin, alginates, pectins, tragacanth, karaya gum, xanthan gum, carrageenin, agar and acacia, starch derivatives, such as starch acetate and hydroxypropyl starch, and also other synthetic products, such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl methyl ether, polyethylene oxide, preferably cross-linked polyacrylic acid, mixtures of those polymers. The concentration of the carrier is, typically, from 1 to 100000 times the concentration of the active ingredient.

Suitable tonicity-adjusting agents include mannitol, sodium chloride, glycerin, sorbitol and the like. Suitable preservatives include p-hydroxybenzoic acid ester, benzalkonium chloride, benzododecinium bromide, polyquaternium-1 and the like. Suitable chelating agents include sodium edetate and the like. Suitable buffering agents include phosphates, borates, citrates, acetates and the like. Suitable surfactants include ionic and nonionic surfactants, though nonionic surfactants are preferred, such as polysorbates, polyethoxylated castor oil derivatives and oxyethylated tertiary octylphenol formaldehyde polymer (tyloxapol). Suitable antioxidants include sulfites, ascorbates, BHA and BHT. The compositions of the present invention optionally comprise an additional active agent.

In particular embodiments, the compositions are suitable for application to mammalian eyes. For example, for ophthalmic administration, the formulation may be a solution, a suspension, a gel, or an ointment.

In preferred aspects, the compositions that include NPR-B agonists will be formulated for topical application to the eye in aqueous solution in the form of drops. The term “aqueous” typically denotes an aqueous composition wherein the carrier is to an extent of >50%, more preferably >75% and in particular >90% by weight water. These drops may be delivered from a single dose ampoule which may preferably be sterile and thus rendering bacteriostatic or bacteriocidal components of the formulation unnecessary. Alternatively, the drops may be delivered from a multi-dose bottle which may preferably comprise a device which extracts preservative from the formulation as it is delivered, such devices being known in the art.

In other aspects, components of the invention may be delivered to the eye as a concentrated gel or similar vehicle which forms dissolvable inserts that are placed beneath the eyelids.

The compositions of the present invention may also be formulated as solutions that undergo a phase transition to a gel upon administration to the eye.

In addition to the one or more NPR-B agonists, the compositions of the present invention may contain other ingredients as excipients. For example, the compositions may include one or more pharmaceutically acceptable buffering agents, preservatives (including preservative adjuncts), non-ionic tonicity-adjusting agents, surfactants, solubilizing agents, stabilizing agents, comfort-enhancing agents, polymers, emollients, pH-adjusting agents and/or lubricants.

For topical formulations to the eye, the formulations are preferably isotonic, or slightly hypotonic in order to combat any hypertonicity of tears caused by evaporation and/or disease. The compositions of the present invention generally have an osmolality in the range of 220-320 mOsm/kg, and preferably have an osmolality in the range of 235-260 mOsm/kg. The compositions of the invention have a pH in the range of 5-9, preferably 6.5-7.5, and most preferably 6.9-7.4.

The formulations set forth herein may comprise one or more preservatives. Examples of preservatives include quaternary ammonium compounds, such as benzalkonium chloride or benzoxonium chloride. Other examples of preservatives include alkyl-mercury salts of thiosalicylic acid, such as, for example, thiomersal, phenylmercuric nitrate, phenylmercuric acetate or phenylmercuric borate, sodium perborate, sodium chlorite, parabens, such as, for example, methylparaben or propylparaben, alcohols, such as, for example, chlorobutanol, benzyl alcohol or phenyl ethanol, guanidine derivatives, such as, for example, chlorohexidine or polyhexamethylene biguanide, sodium perborate, or sorbic acid.

In certain embodiments, the NPR-B agonists are formulated in a composition that comprises one or more tear substitutes. A variety of tear substitutes are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: monomeric polyols, such as, glycerol, propylene glycol, and ethylene glycol; polymeric polyols such as polyethylene glycol; cellulose esters such hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, carboxy methylcellulose sodium and hydroxy propylcellulose; dextrans such as dextran 70; water soluble proteins such as gelatin; vinyl polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and povidone; and carbomers, such as carbomer 934P, carbomer 941, carbomer 940 and carbomer 974P. The formulation of the present invention may be used with contact lenses or other ophthalmic products.

In some embodiments, the compositions set forth herein have a viscosity of 0.5-10 cps, preferably 0.5-5 cps, and most preferably 1-2 cps. This relatively low viscosity insures that the product is comfortable, does not cause blurring, and is easily processed during manufacturing, transfer and filling operations.

3. Route of Administration

Administration of the compositions of the invention can be by any method known to those of ordinary skill in the art, however, local administration is preferred. It is contemplated that all local routes to the eye may be used including topical, subconjunctival, periocular, retrobulbar, subtenon, intracameral, intravitreal, intraocular, subretinal, juxtascleral and suprachoroidal administration. Systemic or parenteral administration may be feasible including but not limited to intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular and oral delivery. The most preferred method of administration will be intravitreal or subtenon injection of solutions or suspensions, or intravitreal or subtenon placement of bioerodible or non-bioerodible devices, or by topical ocular administration of solutions or suspensions, or posterior juxtascleral administration of a gel formulation.

Those of skill in the art, in light of the present disclosure, will appreciate that obvious modifications of the embodiments disclosed herein can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All of the embodiments disclosed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. The full scope of the invention is set out in the disclosure and equivalent embodiments thereof. The specification should not be construed to unduly narrow the full scope of protection to which the present invention is entitled.

While a particular embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, numerous variations and alternate embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes to the claims that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. Further, all published documents, patents, and applications mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference, as if presented in their entirety.

D. SECONDARY FORMS OF THERAPY

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the subject is receiving one or more secondary forms of therapy directed to treatment or prevention of a particular eye disease.

A NPR-B agonist-containing ophthalmic composition of the present invention may be administered along with another agent or therapeutic method. For example, administration of the NPR-B agonist-containing composition of the present invention to a human subject may precede, follow, or be concurrent with other therapies for glaucoma, elevated intraocular pressure or ocular hypertension. In some embodiments, the NPR-B agonist is formulated in the same composition as the secondary form of therapy. In other embodiments, the NPR-B agonist is formulated separately from the secondary form of therapy. One of ordinary skill in the art would be familiar with protocols for administering more than one form of pharmacological therapy to a subject with a disease, and would be familiar with methods of formulating more than one pharmacological agent in the same composition.

Examples of secondary therapeutic agents include, but are not limited to: anti-glaucoma agents, such as beta-blockers including timolol, betaxolol, levobetaxolol, carteolol, miotics including pilocarpine, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, prostaglandins, seretonergics, muscarinics, dopaminergic agonists, adrenergic agonists including apraclonidine and brimonidine; anti-angiogenesis agents; anti-infective agents including quinolones such as ciprofloxacin, and aminoglycosides such as tobramycin and gentamicin; non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, such as suprofen, diclofenac, ketorolac, rimexolone and tetrahydrocortisol; growth factors, such as nerve growth factor (NGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neutrophic factor (CNTF); immunosuppressant agents; and anti-allergic agents including olopatadine. Information pertaining to olopatadine formulations can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,995,186, U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. 2005/0158387, and U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. 2003/0055102, each of which is hereby specifically incorporated by reference. The ophthalmic drug may be present in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, such as timolol maleate, brimonidine tartrate or sodium diclofenac.

Other examples of a secondary therapeutic agent include a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor. Exemplary RTK inhibitors are described in U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. 2006/0189608, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,297,709, both of which are hereby specifically incorporated by reference. In preferred embodiments, the receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor is N-[4-[3-amino-1H-indazol-4-yl]phenyl]-N′-(2-fluoro-5-methylphenyl)urea.

In other particular embodiments, the secondary therapeutic agent is a prostaglandin or a prostaglandin analog. For example, the prostaglandin analog may be latanoprost, bimatoprost, unoprostone or travoprost.

In particular embodiments, the secondary therapeutic agent is a steroid. For example, the steroid may be a glucocorticoid, a progestin, a mineralocorticoid, or a corticosteroid. Exemplary corticosteroids include cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisone, triamcinolone, fluoromethalone, dexamethasone, medrysone, betamethasone, loteprednol, fluocinolone, flumethasone, or mometasone. Other examples of steroids include androgens, such as testosterone, methyltestosterone, or danazol. The secondary therapeutic agent may also be a glucocorticoid that is devoid of typical glucocorticoid side-effects, such as a cortisene. Preferred cortisenes for use in the methods of the invention include anecortave acetate and anecortave desacetate. Often steroids are administered as ester, acetal, or ketal prodrugs, many of which are water-insoluble. The secondary therapeutic agents may be directed to treatment or prevention of a single disease, or can be directed to treatment or prevention of two or more diseases.

In addition to pharmacological agents, surgical procedures can be performed in combination with the administration of the NPR-B agonists. One such surgical procedure can include laser trabeculoplasty or trabeculectomy. In laser trabeculoplasty, energy from a laser is applied to a number of noncontiguous spots in the trabecular meshwork. It is believed that the laser energy stimulates the metabolism of the trabecular cells, and changes the extracellular material in the trabecular meshwork.

Another surgical procedure may include filtering surgery. With filtering surgery, a hole is made in the sclera near the angle. This hole allows the aqueous fluid to leave the eye through an alternate route. The most commonly performed filtering procedure is a trabeculectomy. In a trabeculectomy, a conjunctiva incision is made, the conjunctiva being the transparent tissue that covers the sclera. The conjunctiva is moved aside, exposing the sclera at the limbus. A partial thickness scleral flap is made and dissected half-thickness into the cornea. The anterior chamber is entered beneath the scleral flap and a section of deep sclera and/or trabecular meshwork is excised. The scleral flap is loosely sewn back into place. The conjunctival incision is tightly closed. Post-operatively, the aqueous fluid passes through the hole, beneath the scleral flap which offers some resistance and collects in an elevated space beneath the conjunctiva called a bleb. The fluid then is either absorbed through blood vessels in the conjunctiva or traverses across the conjunctiva into the tear film.

E. EXAMPLES

The following examples are included to demonstrate preferred embodiments of the invention. It should be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the techniques disclosed in the examples which follow represent techniques discovered by the inventor to function well in the practice of the invention, and thus can be considered to constitute preferred modes for its practice. However, those of skill in the art should, in light of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific embodiments which are disclosed and still obtain a like or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Example 1

Material and Methods

The materials and methods as well as general methods are further illustrated by the following examples:

Solvents:

Solvents were used in the specified quality without further purification.

Acetonitrile (Gradient grade, J.T. Baker); dichloromethane (for synthesis, VWR); diethylether (for synthesis, VWR); N,N-dimethylformamide (LAB, VWR); dioxane (for synthesis, Aldrich); methanol (for synthesis, VWR).

Water: Milli-Q Plus, Millipore, demineralized.

Reagents:

The used reagents were purchased from Advanced ChemTech (Bamberg, Germany), Sigma-Aldrich-Fluka (Deisenhofen, Germany), Bachem (Heidelberg, Germany), J.T. Baker (Phillipsburg, USA), Iris Biotech (Marktredwitz, Germany), Lancaster (Griesheim, Germany), VWR (Darmstadt, Germany), NeoMPS (Strasbourg, France), Novabiochem (Bad Soden, Germany, from 2003 on Merck Biosciences, Darmstadt, Germany) und Acros (Geel, Belgium, distributor Fisher Scientific GmbH, Schwerte, Germany), Peptech (Cambridge, Mass., USA), Synthetech (Albany, Oreg., USA), Pharmacore (High Point, N.C., USA), Anaspec (San Jose, Calif., USA) and used in the specified quality without further purification.

Non-commercially available non-conventional amino acids were prepared according to standard protocols either as building blocks for solid phase synthesis or by derivatization of commercially available amino acids during solid phase synthesis.

If not stated differently, concentrations are given as percent by volume.

Analysis of Peptides According to the Present Invention:

The analyses of peptides were performed with analytical HPLC methods followed by either ESI-MS or MALDI-MS detection. For analytic chromatography a Hewlett Packard 1100-system together with an ESI-MS (Finnigan LCQ ion trap mass spectrometer) was used. Helium was used as impact gas in the ion trap. For chromatographic separation a RP-18-column (Vydac (Merck) at 30° C. was used. A binary gradient was applied for all chromatograms (5-95% B, linear, A: 0.1% TFA in water and B: 0.1% TFA in CH₃CN). UV detection was at λ=220 nm.

Analyses by means of HPLC/MS was performed using a linear gradient from 95:5 to 5:95 (A: 0.1% TFA in water and B: 0.1% TFA in acetonitrile), RP columns were from the companies Phenomenex or Waters (Typ Luna C-18, 3 m, 2.00×50 mm, Symmetry C18 Column MV Kit, 5 am, 4.6×250 mm, respectively); For ESI-MS measurements a mass spectrometer ThermoFinnigan Advantage and/or LCQ Classic (both iontrap) was used. For ESI ionization helium served as impact gas in the ion trap. In case of MALDI-MS analyses an Applied Biosystems Voyager RP MALDI mass spectrometer was used with α-Cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid as internal calibration matrix.

Purification of Peptides with Preparative HPLC:

Preparative HPLC separations were performed using Varian PLRP-S(10 am, 100 Å) columns (150×25 mm or 150×50 mm) with the following gradient solvents: A: 0.05% TFA in H₂O and B: 0.05% TFA in CH₃CN

TABLE 4 Abbreviations: AAV general procedure Ac Acetyl Acm Acetamidomethyl DCM Dichloromethane DIC Diisopropylcarbodiimide DIPEA N,N-diisopropylethylamine DMF N,N-dimethylformamide DMSO Dimethylsulfoxide eq. Equivalent(s) ESI Electrospray ionisation FIG. Figure Fmoc 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl H hour(s) HATU O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3- tetramethyluronium-hexafluorophosphate HBTU O-(benzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3- tetramethyluronium-hexafluorophosphate HOBt 1-hydroxybenzotriazole HPLC high-pressure liquid chromatography MALDI Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Me Methyl min minute(s) ml Milliliter MS Mass spectrometry MW Molecular weight NMP N-methylpyrrolidone Ph Phenyl RP Reversed phase 93u tert-butyl THF Tetrahydrofuran TIPS Triisopropyl silane TFA trifluoroacetic acid UV Ultraviolet

Example 2

Synthesis of Peptides

Linear peptides were synthesized using the Fmoc-tBu-strategy. The synthesis was done either manually in polypropylene syringes or via an automatic synthesizer (Syro from Multisyntech, Witten or Sophas from Zinsser-Analytic, Frankfurt).

For the preparation of peptides carrying a C-terminal carboxylic acid, the C-terminal amino acid was either attached to a tritylchloride resin (approx. 100 mg resin; loading of reactive groups approx. 1.5 mmol/g; coupling with 0.8 eq. Fmoc-amino acid and 3.0 eq. DIPEA in DCM for 2 h; loading of the first amino acid approx. 0.2-0.4 mmol/g) or to Wang resin (100-200 mg resin; loading of reactive groups approx. 0.6 mmol/g; coupling with 4 eq. Fmoc-amino acid, 4 eq. DIC and 3 eq. NMI in DMF for 3 h; loading of the first amino acid approx. 0.2-0.6 mmol/g).

For the preparation of peptides carrying a C-terminal carboxylic amide, the first amino acid was attached to the resin via Fmoc deprotection of the Fmoc-Rink amide resin (ca. 100 mg resin, ca. 0.5 mmol/g loading; Fmoc deprotection with 20% piperidine in DMF for 20 min) and subsequent coupling of the Fmoc amino acid (reaction with 5 eq. Fmoc amino acid; 5 eq. HBTU or 5 eq. HATU and 10 eq. DIPEA in NMP for 30-60 min and this step was optionally repeated).

After the coupling of the first amino acid, the synthesis of the peptide was done via a repeated sequence of steps, as necessary, consisting of Fmoc deprotection and coupling of the corresponding Fmoc amino acid or carboxylic acid. For the Fmoc deprotection the resin was treated with 20% piperidine in DMF for 20 min. The coupling of the amino acids was carried out via reaction with 5 eq. of the amino acid, 5 eq. HBTU or 5 eq. HATU and 10 eq. DIPEA in DMF for 30-60 min. Each coupling step was optionally repeated.

For the introduction of the N-terminal acetyl group, the N-terminal free peptide, bound to the resin, was incubated with a solution of 10% acetic acid anhydride and 20% DIPEA in DMF for 20 min. For the introduction of the N-terminal sulfonyl group, the N-terminal free peptide, bound to the resin, was incubated with a solution of 2 eq. of the corresponding sulfonyl chloride and 4 eq. DIPEA in DMF or DCM for 30 min and this treatment was repeated once.

For the cleavage of the peptide from the resin and its side chain protecting groups, a mixture of 95% TFA, 2.5% H2O, 2.5% TIPS or a similar solution was added. Finally the crude peptide was isolated either by evaporation of TFA using a rotary evaporator or by precipitation with the aid of methyl-^(t)butyl-ether at 0° C.

Example 3

NPR-A Induced Production of Cyclic GMP in Stably Transfected Cell

To assess the specificity of compounds for NPR activation, human 293-T cells transfected with NPR-A (Potter and Garbers 1992, J Biol Chem. 267:14531-14534) are used in stimulation experiments.

In this homogenous assay, the cells are stimulated in suspension with the test compound and the production of cyclic GMP (cGMP) is determined, from which EC50 values are calculated. ANP, the naturally occurring ligand of NPR-A is used as an internal control and to determine the maximal cGMP production of the cells, which allows the calculation of activation values of the tested compounds relative to ANP.

Preparation of cells: NPR-A transfected 293-T cells are washed once with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and detached from a 75 cm² tissue culture flask by addition of 3 ml of non enzymatic cell dissociation solution (Sigma-Aldrich) and incubation for 10 min. at room temperature. Detached cells are harvested in 20 ml PBS and centrifuged for 10 min at 200×g at room temperature. The cells are resuspended in DMEM/Ham's F12 mix supplemented with 1 mM IBMX (Medium) and adjusted to a density of 1.25×10⁵ cells/ml and incubated for 15 min. at room temperature.

Stimulation of cells: 20 μl of cells (2.5×10³ cells) are added to each well of a 96 well white optical bottom tissue culture plate (Nunc, Germany). 10 μl of compound dilution is added and the cells are stimulated for 25 min. at room temperature. The stimulation is stopped by addition of 20 μl of Lysis buffer (reagent included in cGMP Assay Kit).

Determination of cGMP: The amount of produced cGMP in the cells is determined using HitHunter™ cGMP Assay kit (DiscoveRX) according to manufacturer's instructions.

Dilution of compounds: For EC50 determinations, duplicate wells are stimulated with a serial dilution of a 10 mM DMSO compound stock solution. Dilutions are prepared in Medium supplemented with IBMX (1 mM). The final compound concentration in the assay is in the range from 45 μM to 20 nM. The internal standard compound ANP is used at concentrations ranging from 5 μM to 310 pM.

Example 4

NPR-B Induced Production of Cyclic GMP in Human Glaucoma Trabecular Meshwork Cells (GTM-3)

The potency of compounds to activate NPR-B was evaluated in a functional assay using endogenously NPR-B expressing GTM-3 cells (Pang, Shade et al. 1994). In this assay the dose dependent production of cyclic GMP (cGMP) is determined and EC₅₀ values are calculated. The natural occurring ligand for NPR-B, i.e. CNP is used as an internal control and to determine the maximal cGMP production of the cells, which allows the calculation of activation values of the tested compounds relative to CNP.

Preparation of cells: In a 96 well white optical bottom tissue culture plate (Nunc, Germany) 1.5×10⁵ cells/well are seeded in Dulbecco's MEM (DMEM, Biochrom) supplemented with Gentamycin (0.056 mg/ml) and incubated for 18 h with 10% CO₂ in a humidified atmosphere.

Stimulation of cells: The cell culture medium is aspirated and each well is washed with 200 μl DMEM/Ham's F12=Medium (Gibco). Then, 200 μl Medium supplemented with 1.5 mM IBMX (3-Isobutyl-1-methyl-Xanthin, Sigma) is added to each well and incubated for 15 min. at room temperature. 25 μl of compound dilution is added and the cells are stimulated for 15 min. at room temperature. The stimulation is stopped by aspiration of the medium and addition of 20 μl of Lysis buffer (reagent included in cGMP Assay Kit).

Determination of cGMP: The amount of produced cGMP in the cells is determined using HitHunter™ cGMP Assay kit (DiscoveRX) according to manufacturer's instructions.

Dilution of compounds: For EC₅₀ determinations, duplicate wells are stimulated with a serial dilution of a 10 mM DMSO compound stock solution. Dilutions are prepared in Medium supplemented with IBMX (1.5 mM). Final compound concentrations are in the range from 45 μM to 20 nM. Highly active compounds, e.g. CNP are used for stimulation at concentrations ranging from 5 μM to 6 nM.

Example 5

Efficacy in the Rabbit

A single 30 μL drop of a test item formulation was administered to rabbit eyes (n=8 to 10). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was assessed in each eye at 0 hr, just prior to dosing, and again hourly for up to 4 hr post dose. The efficacy of a given formulation was determined based on the difference between the pretreatment IOP readings at 0 hr and the post treatment readings. A maximum percent reduction in IOP greater than 15% was noted by the “+” symbol. A maximum IOP reduction of less than 15% was assigned the “−” symbol.

Results obtained with novel compounds of the invention in the above-described assays are provided in Table 5, below:

TABLE 5 In vivo results with novel compounds of the invention according to the methods described in Example 5. RIOP dose 300 ug − IOP reduction < 15% SEQ + IOP ID reduction > NO: JAL STRUCTURE 15%   3 CNP CNP −  81 781⁺ Occ-ala-ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg- − Lie-NH₂; 127 955⁺⁺ Occ-pro-Phe-G1y-Leu-Pro-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- − NH₂; 130 958⁺⁺ Occ-Sni-Nmf-G1y-Leu-Pro-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- − NH₂; 135 967⁺ Occ-Sni-Nmf-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- − NH₂; 182 1041⁺ Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- + NH₂; 203 1085⁺ Occ-ala-Nmf-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- + NH₂; 187 1047⁺⁺ Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile- + NH₂; 204 1086⁺⁺ Occ-ala-Phe-arg-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- + NH₂; 183 1042⁺ Occ-ala-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- − NH₂; 195 1060⁺⁺ Occ-ala-Phe-lys-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- + NH₂; 267 1287 Occ-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp- + Arg-Ile- NH₂; 274 1295⁺ Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- + NH₂; 355 1400⁺ Occ-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val- + Arg-He- NH₂; 292 1325⁺ Occ-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp- + Arg-Ile- NH₂; 332 1369⁺ Oct-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Tap-Nml-Asp- + Arg-He- NH₂; 372 1429⁺⁺ Oct-Sni-Phe-dap(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp- + Arg-He- NH₂; 414 1496⁺ Occ-Sni-Eaa-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- − NH₂; 421 1512⁺⁺ Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Pro-Che; + 425 1555⁺⁺ Occ-Sni-Phe-Apc-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp-Arg-Ile- + NH₂; 481 1654⁺⁺ Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Val-Pro-Che; − 506 1729⁺⁺ Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Tap-Nml-Val-Arg-Che; + 507 1730⁺⁺ Occ-Sni-Phe-leu-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Val-Arg-Che; + 269 1289⁺⁺ Occ-Sni-Phe-orn(Me2)-Leu-Hyp-Nml-Asp- + Arg-Ile- NH₂ HCl salt except *TFA; Dose is 300 μg topical ocular unless (##); DB rabbits unless NZA, scores 1-4 (4 = IOP could not be taken); “” indicates hypertensive phase; (n = #R) means # of responders out of 10-12 animals tested; 1% is ⁺susp ⁺⁺sol

All of the methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the methods described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the invention. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain agents which are both chemically and physiologically related may be substituted for the agents described herein while the same or similar results would be achieved. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

All references cited herein, to the extent that they provide exemplary procedural or other details supplementary to those set forth herein, are specifically incorporated herein by reference. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A compound selected from: Occ-ala-Nmf-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:111); Occ-ala-Phe-Aib-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:119); Occ-ala-Phe-ala-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:120); Occ-ala-Phe-Ebc-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:121); Occ-ala-Mcf-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:122); Occ-Sar-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:123); Occ-Gly-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:124); Occ-pro-Nmf-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:134); Occ-Az3-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:141); Occ-ala-Thi-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:148); Occ-ala-Pcf-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:149); Occ-ala-Thk-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:150); Occ-ala-Mtf-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:151); Occ-ala-Mmf-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:152); Occ-ala-Phe-val-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:155); and Occ-pip-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:177).
 2. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is selected from: Occ-ala-Nmf-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:111); Occ-ala-Mcf-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:122); Occ-Sar-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:123); Occ-Gly-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:124); Occ-pro-Nmf-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:134); Occ-Az3-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:141); Occ-ala-Thi-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:148); Occ-ala-Pcf-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:149); Occ-ala-Thk-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:150); Occ-ala-Mtf-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:151); Occ-ala-Mmf-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:152); and Occ-pip-Phe-Gly-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:177).
 3. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is selected from: Occ-ala-Phe-Aib-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:119); Occ-ala-Phe-ala-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:120); Occ-ala-Phe-Ebc-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:121); and Occ-ala-Phe-val-Leu-Pro-Leu-Asp-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:155). 